Congresswoman Waters Observes National HIV Testing Day
Today on Capitol Hill, Rep. Maxine Waters (CA-35) announced her support for the goals and ideals of National HIV Testing Day and encouraged all Americans to get tested for HIV and educate themselves about the prevention and treatment of HIV and AIDS. National HIV Testing Day is tomorrow, June 27, 2007.
"Congress should recognize the importance of HIV testing. I urge Congress to support the goals and ideals of National HIV Testing Day. I urge health care providers, government agencies, community-based organizations, businesses, celebrities, and the media to observe National HIV Testing Day by providing voluntary HIV testing services and educating the public about the benefits of HIV testing. Finally, I urge all Americans to get tested for HIV and educate themselves about the prevention and treatment of HIV and AIDS," said Congresswoman Waters.
The National Association of People With AIDS (NAPWA) declared the first annual National HIV Testing Day on June 27, 1995, to encourage people who may be at risk for HIV infection to get tested for HIV. Tomorrow will be the 13th annual National HIV Testing Day.
"One quarter of the people living with HIV in the United States do not know they are infected. Individuals who are HIV positive must learn of their status in order to obtain counseling on managing their health, access appropriate medical and social services, begin life-prolonging treatment, and take actions to avoid spreading the virus to others. We will never be able to stop the spread of HIV and AIDS as long as there are large numbers of Americans who don't know they are infected," said Congresswoman Waters.
Congresswoman Waters is sponsoring three initiatives in Congress to promote HIV/AIDS awareness, testing and treatment.
1. In February, she introduced H.R. 822, the Routine HIV/AIDS Screening Coverage Act. This bill would require health insurance plans to cover routine HIV/AIDS tests under the same terms and conditions as other routine health screenings.
2. More recently, she reintroduced H.R. 1943, the Stop AIDS in Prison Act, a bill to require the Federal Bureau of Prisons to develop a comprehensive policy to provide HIV testing, treatment and prevention for inmates in Federal prisons. This bill requires the Bureau of Prisons to test all inmates for HIV upon entering prison and then test them again prior to release. The bill also requires HIV/AIDS prevention education for all inmates and comprehensive treatment for those who test positive.
3. Finally, she is continuing her efforts to expand the Minority AIDS Initiative, which she established back in 1998 to expand HIV testing, treatment and prevention among racial and ethnic minorities. On April 27, 2007, she sent a letter to House Appropriators requesting an appropriation of $610 million for the Minority AIDS Initiative in fiscal year 2008, and 85 Members of Congress signed her letter.
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