[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 90 (Thursday, June 30, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1415]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1415]]
    RECOGNIZING BOULDER COUNTY AIDS PROJECT ON ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK UDALL

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 29, 2005

  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of 
the Boulder County AIDS Project, BCAP, and to honor their commitment to 
those in my community who are affected by HIV/AIDS. They are a model 
for advocacy and an invaluable asset to our community.
  BCAP began in 1985 when two people volunteered two afternoons a week 
to answer a single borrowed telephone line. As the acronyms HIV, Human 
Immunodeficiency Virus, and AIDS, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, 
became household terms, and as the stigma about what was termed a ``gay 
cancer'' relaxed, the name of the organization was formally changed to 
the Boulder County AIDS Project.
  BCAP has grown to include twelve staff members and over 300 
volunteers. These volunteers work together with staff to serve those in 
the community who are infected with or affected by HIV and to educate 
the public about HIV and AIDS. In 2004, 368 HIV-infected individuals 
received services from the caseworkers and volunteers at BCAP; 17,000 
youth and adults heard presentations by the BCAP Speakers Bureau, over 
500 received HIV antibodies testing and counseling, and thousands of 
people attended BCAP's AIDS awareness events. The dedication 
demonstrated by BCAP staff and volunteers is a praiseworthy example of 
how to make a difference.
  As with all great causes and organizations in today's society, their 
merit stands before the blind eye of a restrictive budget. Despite the 
success of BCAP, many difficult obstacles affect the center. Changes in 
the federal response to HIV/AIDS impact their ability to provide 
evidence-based, scientifically-researched HIV prevention programming. 
Colorado state budget cuts affect BCAP's ability to meet the increased 
need for services in an economic climate of decreasing resources.
  In response to these challenges, BCAP recently adjusted their 
prevention programs to focus on access to HIV-antibody testing and 
early access to HIV care. BCAP and the Boulder County Public Health 
Department estimate that 30 percent of the population in BCAP's service 
area are HIV positive and are unaware of it. To address this issue, 
BCAP will purchase a van to be equipped as a mobile HIV testing 
facility. This will allow BCAP to meet one of its strategic goals of 
enhancing its HIV-antibody testing program while reducing a significant 
barrier to access and care--the access to easy testing.
  Even in the midst of struggle and looming challenges, the Boulder 
County AIDS Project goes above and beyond the call of duty to provide 
for those infected with HIV or affected by AIDS. Their dedication to 
this honorable cause has given dignity and comfort to individuals 
living with HIV and AIDS.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in thanking the 
Boulder County AIDS Project for their efforts in this commendable 
cause.

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