New York, NY - Congressman Charles B. Rangel issued the following statement to mark the 13th Anniversary of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, February 7, 2013:

"Today we recognize National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day as a nationwide effort to mobilize Black communities to get educated, get tested, get involved and get treated to reduce and eliminate the devastating effects of HIV and AIDS." 

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Blacks are disproportionately affected by HIV.  The spread and infection rate of this disease is a serious concern in New York City.  There are approximately 129,000 New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS.  In Central and East Harlem, the rate of HIV diagnoses and people living with HIV/AIDS is more than twice the rate in New York City, according to the Center for Disease Control. One out of every 38 residents in East and Central Harlem is HIV positive, compared to just over 1 out of 100 citywide, statistics show.

One of the key indicators of how people with HIV live longer and healthier lives is access to medications.  Not all New Yorkers living with HIV are benefiting from antiretroviral treatment and supportive care. Each year, nearly 1,000 people in NYC don't find out they are HIV positive until they are already sick with AIDS. People who start antiretroviral treatment when they are already sick with AIDS tend to have poorer health outcomes than those who start earlier. People who don't know they have HIV may unknowingly spread the virus to others. Getting those living with HIV or recently-tested positive for the virus connected to treatment and care services is important.

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day calls attention to the crisis in Black communities throughout the nation.  To commemorate this day the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS, Inc. and various faith and community-based organizations will host the New York City premier of the Gospel of Healing Volume I: Black Churches Respond to HIV/AIDS. This initiative underscores the need for faith-based leaders, groups and organizations to work hand in hand to realize the work of instilling value and worth into the Black communities.

As a Member of Congress, I remain committed to finding appropriate education and treatment solutions to fight this disease.  The fact remains that HIV infection is completely preventable.  With appropriate treatment and medication, people living with HIV can live long and productive lives and manage their disease like other chronic illnesses. We call upon Black community stakeholders concerned about HIV/AIDS in their community to become the voice for change."