CONGRESSWOMAN WATERS MOBILIZES SUPPORT FOR INCREASED MINORITY AIDS INITIATIVE FUNDING

Today, Rep. Maxine Waters (CA-35) announced that she is circulating a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations seeking an appropriation of $610 million for the Minority AIDS Initiative in fiscal year 2006.

"I urge all Members of Congress to sign my letter to the appropriators and support funding for the Minority AIDS Initiative at a level that will meet the critical needs of minority communities throughout the United States," said Congresswoman Waters.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, racial and ethnic minorities represent more than 70% of new AIDS cases in the United States. African Americans account for 49% of new AIDS cases, although only 13% of the population is black. Hispanics account for 20% of new AIDS cases, although only 14% of the population is Hispanic. Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders account for 1% of new AIDS cases, and American Indians/Alaska Natives account for up to 1%.

"These statistics demonstrate the tremendous importance of the Minority AIDS Initiative," said the Congresswoman. "Clearly, racial and ethnic minorities shoulder a disproportionate burden of HIV and AIDS in the United States today."

The Minority AIDS Initiative provides funds to community-based organizations, research institutions, minority-serving colleges and universities, health care organizations, state and local health departments, and correctional institutions to help them address the HIV/AIDS epidemic within the minority populations they serve. It enables organizations and providers to expand and strengthen their capacity to deliver culturally and linguistically appropriate care and services. The Initiative fills gaps in prevention, treatment, surveillance, infrastructure, outreach and education across communities of color.

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