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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1521-E1522]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
COMMEMORATING WORLD AIDS DAY 2019
______
HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE
of texas
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam 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.
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 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 who work diligently with HIV/AIDS patients.
Our focus on HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness will be to ensure all
of our friends,
[[Page E1522]]
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 incidents of HIV have 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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