Today marks World AIDS Day, a day for us to remember those whom have lost their battle to this disease and to recommit ourselves to providing life-saving treatment, care, and prevention to those affected by HIV/AIDS.
While we observe World AIDS Day, we must recommit ourselves to the fight against this disease here at home and acknowledge the work that remains to be done. I have long been a supporter of the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), a life-saving program that provides treatment to low-income HIV/AIDS patients. Sadly, nine states – including North Carolina – have ADAP waiting lists with thousands of individuals waiting for life-saving treatment. Every day that a patient waits to enroll in these life-saving programs threatens their health and overall quality of life. This is simply unacceptable. I remain committed to ensuring HIV/AIDS patients across North Carolina and our nation have access to the life-saving treatment they need.