Congresswoman Lee and Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus Marks the 20th Anniversary of National HIV/AIDS Testing Day
Washington, DC – Since 1995, June 27th has marked National HIV/AIDS Testing Day. This year’s theme is: Take the Test. Take Control.
“Each year, I proudly participate in National HIV/AIDS Testing Day - I take the test and I take control. As we mark the 20th anniversary of National HIV/AIDS Testing Day, I hope that all Americans will take this opportunity to get tested and take control of their health,” said Congresswoman Lee (D-CA), co-chair and co-founder of the bipartisan Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus.
“National HIV Testing Day is an important reminder of what we all should be doing. Testing is crucial to ensure you know your health status and can fully inform your partner. By knowing your status, you can begin life-saving treatment earlier and prevent further transmission of HIV,” said Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), co-chair of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus.
“In our fight against HIV and AIDS, knowledge is power. While we continue our efforts to better understand the biology of HIV and AIDS and work to combat the social inequalities faced by those living with it, the knowledge of one’s status is fundamental to preventing its transmission and stemming the tide of this devastating disease. At the same time, it is vitally important that we continue our support for the PEPFAR program,” said Congressman Jim McDermott, co-chair of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one in seven HIV-positive individuals is unaware of their status.
“Given this statistics, more than 800 people in my district could be HIV-positive and unaware of their status. We must do more to ensure that everyone has the necessary resources to get tested and take control of their health,” added Congresswoman Lee.
As in past years, the co-chairs of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus have arranged for HIV testing on Capitol Hill for Members of Congress as well as Congressional and facilities staff.
Individuals can find HIV/AIDS services by visiting www.locator.aids.gov.
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Congresswoman Lee is a member of the Appropriations and Budget Committees, the Steering and Policy Committee, is a Senior Democratic Whip, former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and co-chair of the Progressive Caucus. She serves as chair of the Whip’s Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity.