Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus Marks National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day

“Awareness days are critical to increasing the public conversation about HIV/AIDS and empowering Americans to take their health into their own hands,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA).  “Tragically, the most recent Center for Diseases Control reporting on HIV infection in older Americans showed some increases in HIV infection. It is clear that much more work remains in order to increase awareness amongst older Americans about HIV and its transmission. As we work to address this epidemic, we cannot leave anyone behind.”

“On HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day, we recognize the particular challenges that people living with HIV/AIDS face as they age, including the earlier onset of physical and cognitive conditions, as well as obstacles to treatment and care that all must confront as they age,” said Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL). “With projections for more than half of Americans living with HIV/AIDS to be over 50 years old by next year, we must provide this population with the focus, research, and support it needs. I remain committed to helping ensure that HIV-infected people of all ages receive the care they need and to an AIDS-free future at home and abroad.”

“Today’s observance of HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day should serve as a reminder of the unique issues facing older adults living with HIV/AIDS,” said Congressman McDermott (D-WA).  “More than half of those living with HIV who die each year are 50 or older, and the disease progresses most quickly among older patients. Moving forward, we must continue to raise awareness of the complexities and challenges of this disease for older Americans, and it is essential that we invest in outreach, treatment, and research that will one day bring an end to this global epidemic.”