[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 174 (Monday, December 5, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1588-E1589]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   COMMEMORATING WORLD AIDS DAY 2016

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 5, 2016

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, World AIDS Day affords us an 
opportunity to reflect on our progress in the fight against the global 
AIDS pandemic and to rededicate ourselves to ending the disease once 
and for all.
  We have come a long way since the first World AIDS Day in 1988 by 
dramatically expanding investments in HIV/AIDS prevention, care, 
treatment, and research.
  Strong advocacy has paved the way for the Ryan White Act, the Housing 
Opportunities for People with AIDS Initiative, growing investments in 
NIH research, and an end to the ban on federal funds for syringe 
exchange.
  Beyond our borders, our efforts have extended care to millions in the 
developing world, through increased resources for PEPFAR and the Global 
Fund.
  Our investments have saved lives--preventing millions of new HIV 
cases, expanding access to improved treatments, and enabling medical 
advances that help HIV/AIDS patients live longer and healthier.
  Here and across the globe, AIDS deaths are on the decline, and 
studies are pointing the way to new approaches to limit the spread of 
the disease, with treatment as prevention.

[[Page E1589]]

  While our efforts have grown, we still only reach half of all people 
eligible for HIV treatment; and more must be done.
  Working together, we must continue to strengthen--not weaken--our 
national and international efforts to combat AIDS and other infectious 
diseases.
  We must work to achieve the Obama Administration's goal of an AIDS-
free generation.
  We must honor the memory of those we have lost and act on our hope, 
optimism, and determination to end the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
  We must continue to work with programs and clinics, like the Harris 
County Hospital District (HCHD), who are treating and caring for 
patients with HIV/AIDS.
  In 1989, HCHD opened Thomas Street Health Center, the first free-
standing facility dedicated to outpatient HIV/AIDS care in the nation. 
The center has become the cornerstone of all HIV/AIDS care available to 
Harris County residents.
  The Thomas Street Health Center has dedicated their services to about 
25 percent of Harris County's HIV/AIDS.
  Annually, the health center, along with HCHD, serves 4,463 unique 
patients for about 37,000 patients' visits.
  We will continue to fight a tough fight against HIV and AIDS.
  We will continue to strengthen and support centers like Thomas Street 
Health Center that work diligently with HIV/AIDS patients.
  Our focus on HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness will be to ensure all 
of our friends, relatives and children live healthy and full lives.
  There is a pressing need to raise awareness and engage in education 
within the African American community where HIV infections have been 
and continue to rise.
  The incidence of HIV has decreased for the majority population, while 
it has grown nearly unchecked among African Americans.
  This must change--decisions regarding funding for agencies charged 
with infectious disease education and minority health must be 
supported.

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