There are about 21,000 Virginians known to be living with HIV/AIDS, and one local organization wants to bring that number down.

The Valley AIDS Network focuses on the disease every day, but it's hoping it gains more attention Tuesday.

As new medications are allowing people with the disease to live longer that also means the number of AIDS patients in the state grows larger.

Raising awareness all over the globe, Valley AIDS Network Executive Director Jan Emswiler says we really need to focus locally.

"Especially here in the Valley. I think we have forgotten, and that has been indicated in our increasing numbers of new infections," says Emswiler.

Emswiler says one problem is that people are afraid.

"Stigma and discrimination are still major barriers for people to access testing, and for people who test positive to access care and services," says Emswiler.

Carrying a common stereotype, Emswiler says much of the population is unaware of the other groups now affected by AIDS.

"Rates are increasing much more rapidly in the heterosexual population as compared to homosexual population," says Emswiler.

Alexandra de Havilland handles 40 HIV-positive clients in the Harrisonburg-Rockingham area and says many are concerned others will find out and discriminate against them.

"I can understand. I wish it wasn't the way it was, but I can totally understand why none of the 40 people I work with would want to be here right now on camera, letting everybody in this community know that they are HIV positive," says de Havilland.

With the number of cases increasing in the Valley, Emswiler says it can be attributed to a number of things.

"Continued and increased use of IV drug use, as well as continued unsafe behavior among the heterosexual population," says Emswiler.

Another major factor affecting the rising numbers in the area is the increase in cases in the Latino population.

Emswiler also notes that the 13,000 cases in the central Shenandoah Valley are only the reported cases.

On Tuesday night, VAN held a candlelight vigil to honor World AIDS Day and to remember those lost to the disease.