Congresswoman Barbara Lee Recognizes HIV Testing Day
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For Immediate Release |
Contact: Sean P. Nichols |
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June 26, 2008 |
(202) 225-2661 |
Introduces Resolution Supporting Goals and ideals of National HIV Testing Day
WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) and The National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA) held a press conference today to kick off National HIV Testing Day 2008. The event was held in the nation’s capital, where rates of HIV/AIDS remain the highest in America.
The event highlighted the importance of HIV testing by revealing that out of the nearly 1.2 million people living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S., almost 300,000 are unaware they have it. According to a recent study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 4 young women between the ages of 14 and 19 has a sexually transmitted infection. The number doubles for African-American young women in the same age group with nearly 1 out of 2 having a sexually transmitted infection.
“I am a strong proponent of the testing campaign that NAPWA runs every year in conjunction with the CDC,” stated Congresswoman Barbara Lee. “I have been tested on multiple occasions. Testing is a very important tool in the battle against this dreadful epidemic.”
In advance of HIV Testing Day Congresswoman Lee and Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton today introduced a Concurrent Resolution expressing support for National HIV Testing day.
“National HIV Testing Day shines a much-needed spotlight on the crucial importance of early detection of HIV, which can help people live longer, healthier lives and reduce health care costs,” Senator Clinton said.
“With early detection, we can help people get access to critically needed medical and supportive services. I have introduced the Early Treatment for HIV Act to extend Medicaid coverage to low-income, HIV-positive individuals before they develop AIDS. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress and with Americans living with HIV to continue to raise awareness of the importance of early detection and timely access to care.”
“I am also pleased to work with my colleagues in the House and in the Senate to recognize NAPWA and to support the goals and ideals of National HIV Testing Day,” stated Lee. “We have a duty to do what we can to fight this epidemic and to treat it as a global crisis that affects us all.”
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