[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 148 (Tuesday, October 22, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1535-E1536]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              SIGNIFICANCE OF NATIONAL LATINO HIV/AIDS DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 22, 2013

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, the physical, emotional, and psychological 
toll of HIV/AIDS is overwhelming, and contributes to family stress, 
community breakdown, and lost work productivity. HIV/AIDS has taken a 
devastating toll on minority populations, particularly the Latino 
community, which is why promoting National Latino AIDS Awareness Day is 
so important.
  This year's theme is ``Hispanics United to End AIDS,'' highlighting 
the progress made toward combating the deadly virus and encouraging 
members of the Hispanic community to

[[Page E1536]]

work together to ensure they have adequate resources and opportunities 
for healthier and brighter futures.
  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 
Latinos represented 16 percent of the U.S. population but accounted for 
20 percent of the new HIV infections and 19 percent of people living 
with HIV infection. As of 2011, Latinos make up 31.9 percent of New 
Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS. Knowing one's HIV infection status by 
getting tested is critical for seeking early medical treatment and 
intervention. This also helps prevent unknowingly transmitting the 
infection to other individuals.
  Senator Kristen Gillibrand and I authored a bill, Communities United 
with Religious Leaders to Eliminate (CURE) HIV/AIDS Act, which will 
expand educational HIV/AIDS activities, develop policies for providing 
culturally relevant and sensitive treatment to individuals with HIV/
AIDS, and incentivize payments to healthcare providers to implement 
HIV/AIDS testing. HIV/AIDS cannot conquer our communities. Let's keep 
fighting to eradicate this dreadful disease.

                          ____________________