[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 193 Introduced in House (IH)]






109th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. CON. RES. 193

      Supporting the goals and ideals of National HIV Testing Day.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             June 27, 2005

   Ms. Lee submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was 
            referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
      Supporting the goals and ideals of National HIV Testing Day.

Whereas the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that, at the 
        end of 2003, between 1,039,000 and 1,185,000 people nationwide were HIV 
        positive, an increase from the estimated 850,000 to 950,000 people at 
        the end of 2002;
Whereas the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that at the end 
        of 2003, African Americans represented 47 percent of all individuals 
        living with HIV/AIDS, Whites represented 34 percent, and Hispanics 
        represented 17 percent;
Whereas the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has further stated that 
        at the end of 2003, men accounted for 74 percent of all individuals 
        living with HIV/AIDS, and women represented 26 percent;
Whereas the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has determined that the 
        leading cause of HIV infection is men having sex with men, followed by 
        heterosexual contact and injection drug use;
Whereas the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that, in 2003, 
        about 25 percent of all HIV-positive individuals were unaware of their 
        status;
Whereas the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that when 
        infected persons knew their status, they were more likely to practice 
        HIV risk-reduction behaviors;
Whereas the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in 2002, 38 
        percent of those diagnosed as HIV positive were later diagnosed with 
        AIDS within one year of their HIV test;
Whereas the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that early 
        knowledge of status is important for linking those who are HIV positive 
        with medical care and services that can reduce mortality and prevent the 
        onset of AIDS;
Whereas a 2004 survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that many Americans, 
        particularly African Americans and Latinos, wanted more information 
        about HIV testing;
Whereas anxieties, misconceptions, and stigma have been traditionally associated 
        with HIV/AIDS and HIV testing;
Whereas the most commonly used HIV tests currently require a two-week waiting 
        period for a diagnosis, and such waiting period contributes to the 
        anxiety surrounding HIV testing that discourages individuals from 
        receiving their diagnosis, leading the Centers for Disease Control and 
        Prevention to conclude that in 2000 among those who tested positive at 
        sites funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 31 
        percent did not return for their test results;
Whereas rapid test kits approved by the Food and Drug Administration have made 
        HIV testing easier, more accessible, and less invasive, while delivering 
        results within a single day;
Whereas counseling is an essential part of HIV testing, and when conducted 
        according to established Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
        guidelines, has been shown to be effective at producing individual 
        behavior change;
Whereas the National Association of People with AIDS, founded in 1983, is the 
        oldest coalition of people living with HIV/AIDS in the world, and the 
        Association advocates on behalf of all people living with HIV/AIDS;
Whereas National HIV Testing Day is an annual campaign introduced in 1995 and 
        produced by the National Association of People with AIDS to encourage 
        at-risk individuals to seek out and receive voluntary HIV counseling and 
        testing;
Whereas the theme of National HIV Testing Day 2005 is ``Take the test, take 
        control'';
Whereas the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's ``Advancing HIV 
        Prevention Initiative'' emphasizes the importance of HIV testing;
Whereas as part of its overall public health mission, the Centers for Disease 
        Control and Prevention annually supports the National HIV Prevention 
        Conference and National HIV Testing Day; and
Whereas June 27 of each year is now recognized as National HIV Testing Day, and 
        this year marks the eleventh year of observing such day: Now, therefore, 
        be it
    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 
That the Congress--
            (1) supports the goals and ideals of National HIV/AIDS 
        Testing Day;
            (2) encourages State and local governments, including their 
        public health agencies, to recognize such day, to publicize its 
        importance among their communities, and to encourage 
        individuals to undergo counseling and testing for HIV;
            (3) encourages the use of rapid test kits approved by the 
        Food and Drug Administration as a fast and efficient method of 
        HIV testing;
            (4) encourages national, State, and local media 
        organizations to carry messages in support of National HIV 
        Testing Day;
            (5) encourages the President to emphasize the importance of 
        addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic among all Americans, but 
        especially among minority groups; and
            (6) recognizes the need for the prompt reauthorization of 
        the Ryan White CARE Act, and the need to authorize and provide 
        all necessary funding to prevent the spread of HIV and provide 
        care and treatment to those who are already infected and living 
        with HIV/AIDS.
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