Rangel Introduces Bill To Fight HIV/AIDS

Press Release

Congressman Charles Rangel today with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, reintroduced H.R. 1462, the National Black Clergy for the Elimination of HIV/AIDS Act of 2011. The bill authorizes various agencies to expand and increase programs for HIV/AIDS education, prevention, testing, and care/treatment, specifically with respect to African Americans.

"Blacks are seven times more likely than Caucasians to become newly infected with HIV/AIDS, and account for about half of the people with HIV/AIDS in our country," said Rangel. "We cannot turn a blind eye to an illness that has ravaged the African American community and crippled the lives of so many Americans."

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated its estimate of new HIV/AIDS infections from 40,000 per year to 56,300 new infections per year. CDC now estimates that approximately 1 million people in America live with HIV/AIDS.

In addition to authorizing grants for federal agencies to offer important HIV/AIDS services, Rangel's bill in part funds HIV/AIDS treatment, education and prevention programs for faith-based groups such as the National Black Clergy Conclave on HIV/AIDS Policy.

"African American churches have been a part of this battle for years. Eradicating the threat of HIV/AIDS will take their continued leadership and determination," said Rangel. "This bill provides critical support that those institutions need to make a greater difference in combating HIV/AIDS within cities, towns and communities across our great nation."

Congressman Rangel will meet with black clergy on April 13, 2011, to discuss with the disproportionate impact HIV/AIDS has on the African-American community and how Members of Congress can help them fight the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Introduced during National Minority Health Awareness Month, the bill is Congressman Rangel's ongoing effort to promote HIV/AIDS prevention.

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