H Con Res 35 (Passed in the House)

Summary:

This resolution expresses Congress’ support for the principles and goals of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

What does the bill do?

The resolution seeks to raise awareness by encouraging governments, public health departments and the media to publicize National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day’s, and encourage individuals to get tested.

Why is this needed?

African Americans are affected by HIV/AIDS at a greatly disproportionate rate. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at the end of 2003, African Americans represented 42 percent of all AIDS cases, and half of all new HIV infections in the United States, despite making up only about 12.3 percent of the population. In the same year, African American women made up 67 percent of all new AIDS cases in women, and were 23 times more likely to be infected than white women. In addition to being more likely to be infected with the virus, African Americans have the poorest survival rate of any race or ethnic group diagnosed with AIDS.

Greater national awareness of the HIV/AIDS epidemic among African Americans is necessary to stop the spread of infection and bring greater resources to address it.

Who supports the bill?

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

http://www.blackaidsday.org/

National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS

http://www.nblca.org/

National Minority AIDS Council, Inc.

http://www.nmac.org/