HIV - AIDS
Since the 1980s, the HIV/AIDS pandemic has been a public health crisis at home and abroad. Today, approximately one million Americans live with HIV/AIDS.
HIV/AIDS
Since the 1980s, the HIV/AIDS pandemic has been a public health crisis at home and abroad. Today, approximately one million Americans live with HIV/AIDS. Statistically, African-Americans make up more than half of persons in the country with the disease, despite only being 13% of the population. HIV/AIDS is particularly devastating for women. African-American women account for more than 50% of new HIV infections, and Latina women make up 18%.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the state of New York, unfortunately leads the nation in new HIV/AIDS diagnoses (as of 2009). My constituents in Harlem are ten times more likely to be diagnosed with HIV/AIDS than the general population.
HIV screening saves lives and keeps our communities healthy. Screening allows people to seek treatment early and helps prevent transmission of the disease to others. Thanks to the federal government's efforts to combat the sale of illicit drugs, the number of new infections through intravenous drug use has decreased. It is equally crucial to educate people about the importance of practicing safe-sex, which also helps prevent the spread of not only HIV, but most other sexually-transmitted diseases, as well.
Scientists and researchers continue to work diligently towards finding a cure. Tremendous progress in research and development has improved quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS. This is why it is crucial that we do not cut federal funding for HIV/AIDS research. Life-saving medications and breakthroughs require bolstered support from the National Institutes of Health and Congress.
We cannot sit idly as this pandemic continues to spread. In fact, the fight against HIV/AIDS is one of my highest priorities here in Congress. In the 112th Congress, I introduced the National Black Clergy for the Elimination of HIV/AIDS Act, H.R 1462. Working in coordination with religious leaders and federal, state, and local officials, we drafted legislation that aims to combat new HIV infections and promote awareness within the African American community. Government agencies, health centers, and non-profit organizations and religious communities must continue to work collaboratively to combat this devastating disease.
I will continue to fight for those afflicted with HIV/AIDS and will work tirelessly until the day we have a cure.
Congressman Charles B. Rangel's Legislation:
National Black Clergy for the Elimination of HIV/AIDS Act of 2011, H.R. 1462 - (Sponsor)
Status: 4/15/2011 Referred to House Subcommittee on Health
This law would authorize the Director of the Office of Minority Health of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to make grants to public health agencies and faith-based organizations to conduct HIV/AIDS prevention, testing, mental-health services and related outreach activities to reduce HIV/AIDS in the African-American community. It would provide services to youth who are HIV positive or at risk for HIV/AIDS and who have run away from home, are homeless, or reside in a detention center or foster care.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Healthcare Act, H.R. 3590 - (Sponsor)
Status: 3/23/2010 Became Public Law No: 111-148 Signed by President Barack Obama
Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies are required to cover preventative HIV screenings for all adults who are insured. For more information, click here.
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