July 2, 2008 |
Contacts:
Krishna Stone, 212.367.1016
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GMHC GIVES MIXED MARKS TO NEW YORK STATE LEGISLATURE AS THEY ADJOURN
Albany, NY — Gay Men's Health Crisis has a mixed response to the New York State Legislature's most recent session as it came to an end last week. It is no small feat to get the Assembly and Senate to agree on issues, particularly when it relates to HIV/AIDS. However, two important pieces of legislation passed both houses of the legislature and that will have a direct impact on the HIV/AIDS community. Both bills currently await Governor Paterson's signature.
One piece of legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee (D-Rockland) and Senator Thomas Morahan (R-Orange, Rockland) will ensure that necessary post-exposure prophylactic treatment, known as PEP, would be free and paid for by the New York State Crime Victims Board in the event a rape survivor is unable to pay for the treatment.
The second piece of legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples (D-Buffalo) and Senator Velmanette Montgomery (D-Brooklyn) will make certain that all prisoners will be offered an HIV test upon release, as well as directed to proper counseling in the county they choose to reside.
"GMHC applauds the State Legislature for taking these actions and moving forward in the fight against HIV/AIDS," said Marjorie J. Hill, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Gay Men's Health Crisis. "After ending last session without passing any legislation that would protect those most at risk for contracting HIV, it is a positive step to see these bills passed."
However, the record for this legislative session is marred with an enormous incomplete. Legislation that would make the offering of an HIV test a universal practice in New York State remains stalled. This bill, supported by both Health Committee Chairmen, Assemblyman Richard Gottfried (D-Manhattan) and Senator Kemp Hannon (R-Nassau), as well as the New York State and New York City Health Commissioners, Richard Daines and Thomas Frieden, would make HIV testing routine in all medical settings and seek to make more New Yorkers aware of their HIV status. Currently one in four people living with HIV are unaware that they are infected. Despite passage in the Assembly Health Committee and Codes Committee and introduction in the State Senate, both houses decided to adjourn for their summer vacations before considering the bill.
"GMHC strongly urges the State Legislature to come back from their summer vacation and pass this legislation," continued Dr. Hill. "This bill will not only ensure most New Yorkers are tested for HIV, but it will simultaneously work to decrease the stigma associated with HIV and AIDS."
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About Gay Men's Health Crisis
Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the fight against AIDS. We provide services and programs to over 15,000 men, women and families that are living with or affected by HIV/AIDS in New York City, and outreach and education to hundreds of thousands throughout the world.
© 2008 Gay Men's Health Crisis
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