February 07, 2023

Congresswoman Barbara Lee Commemorates National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day with Resolution

Washington, DC – National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, observed every February 7th since 1999, was created to being more awareness to HIV and AIDS within Black communities. Today, Co-Chair of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus Congresswoman Barbara Lee reintroduced a resolution to support the goals of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, recognize the progress made, and recommit to the work remaining in the fight against these diseases. 

“In 2019, of the estimated 1.2 million individuals diagnosed with HIV, 479,300 were African American,” said Rep. Lee. “As our knowledge of this epidemic has grown, our response to the barriers African Americans face in terms of treatment, prevention, and care must progress as well. We cannot achieve an AIDS-free generation without a multi-faceted attack on this disease. I have reintroduced this crucial resolution in the 118th Congress to fully address the work needed to reduce HIV in Black communities and push for increased awareness for those vulnerable to HIV.” 
 

The National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Resolution (H.Res.911) goals are:  

  1. supports effective and comprehensive HIV prevention education programs to promote the early identification of HIV through voluntary routine testing, and to connect those in need to clinically and culturally appropriate care and treatment as early as possible; 
  2. supports reducing the impact of incarceration as a driver of new HIV infections within the African- American community; 
  3. commends the work of AIDS service organizations, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, health care providers, community health centers, and health departments that are providing effective, evidence-based, prevention, treatment, care, and support services to people living with and vulnerable to HIV/AIDS; 
  4. encourages comprehensive prevention, treatment, and care strategies that empower public health workers, educators, faith leaders, and other stakeholders to engage their communities to help decrease violence, discrimination, and stigma toward individuals who disclose their sexual orientation, gender identity, or HIV status. 
  5. supports the implementation of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy and its goals to reduce new HIV infections, increase access to care and improve health outcomes for people living with HIV, reduce HIV-related disparities and health inequities, and achieve a more coordinated national response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic