[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 8]
[House]
[Page 11189]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     SUPPORT NATIONAL CLINICIANS HIV/AIDS TESTING AND AWARENESS DAY

  (Mr. PAYNE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize this Friday as the 
10th annual National Clinicians HIV/AIDS Testing and Awareness Day.
  It is a harsh reality that HIV/AIDS touches every community across 
the country. Although we made great progress in treating the disease, 
it is imperative to continue striving for prevention, effective 
treatments, and a cure.
  This is particularly important in my home State of New Jersey. In 
2013 alone, over 2,000 adults and adolescents were diagnosed with HIV, 
making New Jersey the sixth highest in the country of new diagnoses. In 
ages 13 to 24, diagnoses have increased from 10 to 18 percent, and in 
the African-American community, rates are above the national average.
  We must remain vigilant to combat this epidemic that continues to 
plague communities across our Nation, especially in light of the 
continued efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and remove 
insurance protections for millions. We must be vocal against all 
efforts to take away the ability to receive adequate care and do our 
part to fight HIV/AIDS. Encourage your loved ones to get tested.

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