[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 154 (Thursday, October 22, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2609]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RYAN WHITE HIV/AIDS TREATMENT EXTENSION ACT OF 2009

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 21, 2009

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in support of S. 
1793, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act.
  There are nearly 40,000 new HIV/AIDS infections reported each year, 
and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
approximately 1.1 million Americans are currently living with the 
disease. While contracting the HIV virus used to be considered a death 
sentence in our society, significant medical advances over the past 20 
years have turned it into a very treatable condition. Today, many 
individuals with HIV are living long, happy and productive lives, but 
there are also many among us who don't have the means to access life-
sustaining treatments and social supports.
  The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program was originally enacted in 1990 to 
provide HIV-related health services to those without sufficient health 
coverage or financial resources to cope with the disease. Last year, 
Rhode Island received approximately $7.2 million in funding and 
supplied 2,800 people with access to primary medical care and case 
management services, including $4.3 million in vital medications.
  The bill before us today will authorize the continuation of this very 
successful program through FY 2013--including emergency relief, 
comprehensive care and early intervention programs. It will give our 
local, state and community partners the resources necessary to continue 
providing compassionate care for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. I 
strongly support this bill and urge my colleagues to vote in favor of 
its passage.

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