Congresswoman Waters Observes National HIV Testing Day; Urges All Americans to Get Tested for HIV
Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-35) today encouraged all Americans to get tested for HIV and educate themselves about the prevention and treatment of HIV and AIDS. Appearing at a Capitol Hill event with members of the National Association of People With AIDS (NAPWA), Congresswoman Waters expressed support for the goals and ideals of National HIV Testing Day, which is tomorrow, June 27, 2008.
Congresswoman Waters said, "We are here to tell Congress, the media and the American people: ‘Tomorrow is National HIV Testing Day; it's time to get tested for HIV!'"
NAPWA declared the first annual National HIV Testing Day on June 27, 1995, to encourage people who might be at risk for HIV infection to get tested for HIV. Tomorrow will be the 14th annual National HIV Testing Day.
"One out of four people living with HIV do not know they are infected, and that is a disturbing statistic because it means so many people are not getting lifesaving medicine and also not aware they are at risk of spreading the disease to loved ones," Congresswoman Waters said. "Only by getting tested can people with AIDS obtain treatment for their condition. Only by getting tested can people with AIDS take action to avoid spreading the virus to others. Only by getting tested can people with AIDS take control over their lives. That's why we must tell everyone in America: ‘Take the test, take control!'"
Congresswoman Waters has sponsored three initiatives in the 110th Congress to promote HIV/AIDS awareness, testing and treatment.
1. She introduced H.R. 822, the Routine HIV/AIDS Screening Coverage Act. This bill would require health insurance plans to cover routine HIV tests under the same terms and conditions as other routine health screenings and therefore encourage and enable more Americans to be tested for HIV/AIDS. This bill has over 40 cosponsors.
2. 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. HIV/AIDS is more prevalent among minority communities. On March 19, 2008, she sent a letter to House appropriators requesting $610 million for the Minority AIDS Initiative in fiscal year 2009, and 79 Members of Congress signed her letter.
3. She introduced H.R. 1943, the Stop AIDS in Prison Act, which was passed by the House of Representatives on September 25, 2007, and now awaits consideration in the Senate. This bill requires the Federal Bureau of Prisons to test all prison inmates for HIV, unless the inmate opts-out of taking the test. The bill also requires HIV/AIDS prevention education for all inmates and comprehensive treatment for those who test positive.
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