Whereas the Harris County Hospital District has a long
history of treating and caring for patients with HIV/AIDS, even before
researchers could identify the virus in 1981;
Whereas the Harris County Hospital District is celebrating
the 20th anniversary of Thomas Street Health Center, opened in May 1989, at the
time becoming the first free-standing HIV/AIDS facility in the United
States;
Whereas World AIDS Day has been observed every year
worldwide since December 1, 1988, as a day for the international community to
raise awareness about HIV and AIDS;
Whereas this year’s World AIDS Day observance, and the
commemoration of the 20th anniversary of Thomas Street Health Center, are great
opportunities to raise awareness about the deadly virus of HIV and the AIDS
disease, and encourage prevention and testing for HIV;
Whereas the Harris County Hospital District provides
HIV/AIDS services and care to about 25 percent of all HIV/AIDS diagnosed
patients living in Harris County, Texas;
Whereas through Thomas Street Health Center, the Harris
County Hospital District last year served nearly 4,500 unique patients through
a coordinated response of providing 37,000 patient visits;
Whereas World AIDS Day, and other commemorative days of
HIV/AIDS patients are used by the Harris County Hospital District to reaffirm
its commitment to the treatment of, research on, and prevention of
HIV/AIDS;
Whereas HIV/AIDS patients in Harris County are supported
by the Harris County Hospital District’s network of health centers and
inpatient care at Ben Taub General Hospital and Lyndon B. Johnson General
Hospital;
Whereas HIV/AIDS patients receive the latest medications
and treatments thanks to the collaboration by top physicians and researchers
from the Harris County Hospital District’s partnerships with Baylor College of
Medicine and The University of Texas Medical School at Houston; and
Whereas the commitment and dedication of all staff at
Thomas Street Health Center and the Harris County Hospital District to
providing patients the highest-quality care available remain unchanged: Now,
therefore, be it
That the House of
Representatives—
(1)supports the goals
and ideals of the Harris County Hospital District’s Thomas Street Health Center
and recognizes the 20th anniversary of the establishment of this Center;
(2)encourages
national, State, and local media organizations to carry messages in support of
World AIDS Day and the 20th anniversary celebration of Thomas Street Health
Center; and
(3)supports the
development of a national AIDS strategy with clear goals and objectives to
reduce new HIV infections, especially among minority populations, men who have
sex with men, and other vulnerable communities.