[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 23 (Wednesday, February 7, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E280-E281]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF NATIONAL BLACK HIV/AIDS AWARENESS 
                                  DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 5, 2007

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues on both 
sides of the aisle to fully support the goals and ideals of National 
Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. In 2005, African Americans accounted for 
nearly 50 percent of all new HIV infections, despite representing 
nearly twelve percent of the total population. The HIV/AIDS infection 
rate among Black men is six times that of white

[[Page E281]]

men and the rate among Black women is sixteen times that of white 
women. More children with AIDS are African American than all other race 
and ethnic groups combined. There is no question that we must continue 
to devote considerable attention and resources to support the efforts 
of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day and its mission to build 
capacity and increase the awareness, participation and support for HIV 
prevention, care and treatment among African Americans in particular. 
For these many reasons, I urge you to support the passage of H. Con. 
Res. 35, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.
  While a cure for HIV/AIDS remains just beyond our reach, there are 
many known factors that contribute to the devastating effects that HIV/
AIDS continues to have in the African American community in particular. 
For example, we know that the stigmatization surrounding those with 
HIV/AIDS deters many from being tested and learning about treatment 
needed to prolong their lifespan. We also know that economic issues 
such as the need for more inexpensive housing, substantial increases in 
livable wages and affordable health care, weakens community ties making 
it difficult to build capacity, disseminate information and target 
interventions. It is also evident that funds are needed to support 
these initiatives, perform meaningful outreach and provide 
organizations with the resources necessary to serve this vulnerable 
population.
  It is important for us to increase knowledge about preventative 
measures, educational techniques, capacity building and outreach to 
find targeted solutions to the problem of HIV/AIDS in the Black 
Community. In the State of New York alone there are 33,747 Black 
Americans living with HIV/AIDS. Sadly, this number will continue to 
grow at exponential rates without the attention, care and resources 
supported by the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. While it is 
important to direct resources to Black Americans and others who are 
disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS, we must remember that HIV/AIDS 
does not discriminate. It is estimated that between 1,039,000 and 
1,185,000 infected persons live in the United States and approximately 
40,000 new infections occur each year. Those affected belong to all 
gender, racial, ethnic, religious, socio economic and regional 
configurations. Those affected are mothers and fathers, sisters and our 
brothers, bosses, friends, and children.

  The devastating effect of HIV/AIDS impacts us all. Confronting this 
international crisis will require the collective efforts of 
researchers, legislators, clergy members, community activists and 
organizations, and all others committed to reducing the force of HIV/
AIDS. We must work together to find solutions that are scaleable and 
make possible innovations that result in value adding and sustainable 
positive changes.
  Observance of the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day provides an 
opportunity for governments, national AIDS programs, churches, 
community organizations and individuals to communicate the importance 
of the fight against HIV/AIDS. If we have any hope of ending 
conversations about the injurious effects of HIV/AIDS, we must 
immediately devote the time, energy and resources needed to educate, 
treat and prevent against future transmission.

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