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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
March 13, 2009
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Media Contacts:
Catherine Ortiz, Director of Marketing and Communications, GMHC 212-367-1216
Krishna Stone, Assistant Director, Community Relations, GMHC 212-367-1076
Paul Twitchell, AIDS Action, 617-450-1215
CONGRESS SUPPORTS DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL AIDS STRATEGY IN OMNIBUS SPENDING BILL
March 12, 2009, Washington, DC — Last night the U.S. Senate passed (by a 62-35 vote) the fiscal year 2009 omnibus spending bill that will fund federal programs until September, 2009. Included in the legislation is $1.4 million for the creation and implementation of a national AIDS strategy at the Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP) at the White House. The strategy will be guided by the newly appointed ONAP Director Jeffrey Crowley.
President Obama has indicated his support of a national AIDS strategy on multiple occasions. Leaders of Congress have also noted support, most notable in the form of a resolution offered by Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA). In May 2008, a Congressional Briefing on the need for a national AIDS strategy was sponsored by 10 members of Congress and over 50 organizations.
"We are encouraged by Congressional action that will support the creation of a national AIDS strategy which will work to better coordinate the federal government's response to the domestic HIV/AIDS crisis, "said Marjorie Hill, PhD, Chief Executive Officer at Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC). "With this financial support, a national AIDS strategy will have the appropriate resources to develop a plan to reduce new HIV infection, improve treatment outcomes, and address striking racial disparities across the country," added Hill.
"While the support of the national AIDS strategy is certainly a step in the right direction, we must still continue to advocate for desperately-needed increased funding for HIV prevention, treatment and care programs," said Rebecca Haag, Executive Director of AIDS Action Council. "The 2009 omnibus spending bill does not include any added resources for HIV prevention at the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, funding that is absolutely critical to enacting real change in the domestic epidemic. We hope the support of a national AIDS strategy is a signal of new leadership in Washington's commitment to stemming the tide of HIV in the United States," concluded Haag.
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About GMHC
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 prevention and care services to more than 15,000 men, women and families that are living with, or affected by, HIV/AIDS in New York City, and advocate for scientific, evidence-based public health solutions for hundreds of thousands worldwide.
Our Mission: GMHC fights to end the AIDS epidemic and uplift the lives of all affected.
About AIDS Action Council
AIDS Action C ouncil is the longest-serving national HIV/AIDS advocacy organization. AIDS Action's mission is to advocate on a national level for people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS and the organizations that serve them. It serves as a voice for its members-community-based organizations, local health departments and clinics, treatment and prevention service providers, and health.
© 2009 Gay Men's Health Crisis |
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