[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 9 (Thursday, February 7, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E116]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            SUPPORT OF NATIONAL BLACK HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 7, 2002

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the second annual observance this February 7, 2002, of National Black 
HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. I strongly believe that National Black HIV/AIDS 
Awareness Day will bring much needed attention to the disproportionate 
and rapidly increasing rate of HIV/AIDS infection among African 
Americans. The goal of this nationwide effort is to mobilize local 
communities for the purpose of encouraging African Americans to be 
tested for HIV/AIDS.
  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that AIDS is 
the number one killer of African American men and women ages 25-44. 
This annual National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is greatly needed to 
stem the tide of continuing devastation by HIV/AIDS in Black 
communities across the nation. The objectives of the National Black 
HIV/AIDS Awareness Day are: HIV/AIDS education; Increase testing for 
HIV infection; and HIV/AIDS Advocacy involvement.
  I fully support the various schedule activities that will take place 
across our nation seeking to provide awareness of this devastating 
disease.

                          ____________________