[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23059]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                       NATIONAL AIDS TESTING DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 17, 2000

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) 
epidemic is one of the deadliest foes that we have faced in recent 
history. Like any foe, we must learn all we can about this deadly virus 
and take appropriate action to halt its assault on society.
  One of the first steps in stopping the spread of HIV is to know if 
one is infected. A recent study showed that 90% of the people who knew 
their HIV status changed their sexual behavior, thus helping to stop 
the spread of HIV. This statistic illustrates the importance of knowing 
one's HIV status. I believe it is essential for all U.S. citizens to be 
aware of their HIV status. This will not only help them stay healthy, 
but it is the first step in preventing the transmission of HIV to 
other.
  Unfortunately, many people in this country are unaware of their HIV 
status. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate 
that 900,000 people may be infected with HIV and nearly one-third of 
these individuals or 270,000 are unaware of their HIV status.
  We must ensure that people have access to all FDA approved HIV tests. 
It is the simplest and cheapest form of prevention.
  A barrier to HIV testing is that it is often perceived as painful 
because some testing requires blood samples taken through needles. Many 
people fear needles and therefore would rather not be tested than give 
blood.
  I am pleased to learn that there is FDA approved technologies that do 
not require the use of needles. Companies like Calypte Biomedical, 
which is located in my own state of Maryland and in California, have 
focused on developing HIV diagnostic test than do not use needles, such 
as the HIV urine tests.
  Why then are so many not being tested?
  It has come to my attention that some facilities within the public 
health infrastructure are discouraging local community testing groups 
from using HIV tests that require only a urine sample. Some states have 
even passed legislation that prevents organizations from accessing FDA 
approved HIV urine testing technologies.
  It is critical that our public health infrastructure, which receives 
Federal Medicare, Medicaid and block grant funds, supports all FDA 
approved HIV testing systems. In our efforts to help people learn their 
HIV status, we must guarantee access to all HIV testing options, like 
urine testing.
  A first step in this direction is to become involved in the upcoming 
National AIDS Testing Day. The National AIDS Testing Day is coordinated 
by the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA), which Calypte 
Biomedical supports.
  I strongly encourage all of my colleagues to become involved with 
this effort.

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