On the Hill: Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic

Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic Act

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) will introduce the Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic Act next week to articulate a policy and financing framework to achieve an AIDS-Free Generation in the United States and globally by:

–  Increasing and targeting federal resources to maximize impact
–  Ending stigma and discrimination that inhibit access to health services
–  Repealing and reforming laws that violate human rights and limit the positive impact of resources
–  Maximizing coordinating efforts to drive greater efficiency and improved results

To learn more about this important legislation, click here. Langauge of the bill will released next week.

Justice Department Releases New Document on ADA & Rights of Persons with HIV/AIDS

The U.S. Department of Justice has released a new fact sheet called Questions and Answers: The Americans with Disabilities Act and Persons with HIV/AIDS. This document explains the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It also describes the ADA’s requirements for state and local governments, employers, and businesses and non-profit agencies that serve the public. To learn more about the enforcement activities of the department’s Civil Rights Division visitFighting Discrimination Against People with HIV/AIDS.

Visit Disability.gov for more information about the ADA and other laws that protect the rights of people with disabilities. Also, check out Disability.Blog to read and comment on articles about other civil rights topics.

Call to Action: Lessen HIV Burden Among Young Gay and Bisexual Men in the United States

A number of organizations have joined together to issue a Call to Action to address the disperate impact the HIV/AIDS epidemic has on young gay and bisexual men. NMAC urges individuals and organizations to endorse this critical measure.

We will never end the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the US until we dramatically lessen the burden of HIV among gay and bisexual men, particularly young men.

Across race, age, and geography, gay and bisexual men remain most vulnerable to HIV infection in the United States. Gay and bisexual men are the only group of people in which new HIV infections are increasing each year. They represent only 2% of the US population, yet account for 64% of new infections. Young gay and bisexual men aged 13-29 comprise less than 1% of the US population, but account for 27% of all new infections.  Black young men are especially hard hit by the AIDS epidemic, experiencing a shocking 48% increase in the number of new HIV infections between 2006 and 2009.

Click here to learn more and sign on to this initiative to show our young gay and bisexual men we’re dedicated to lessening their burden of HIV. Both individual and organizational endorsements are welcome: http://alturl.com/zojpo