October 2006

October is National AIDS Awareness and Prevention Month

Dear Friend,


The spread of AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the greatest global health threat of our times. It destroys lives, denies hope to individuals and families, and threatens the well being of entire countries. AIDS is caused by HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), which progressively destroys the body's ability to fight infections and certain cancers by killing or damaging the immune system.

More than 900,000 cases of AIDS have been reported in the United States since 1981. As many as 950,000 Americans may be infected with HIV, one-quarter of whom are unaware of it. As of the end of 2004, there were 2,779 reported cumulative AIDS cases in Hawaii.

HIV is spread most commonly through risky behaviors, such as unprotected sexual contact, including oral, with an infected person, sexual contact with someone whose HIV status is unknown and sharing drug needles or syringes. HIV can also be spread through contact with infected blood (i.e. contaminated needles and mother to child from pregnancy or birth). However, today, because of blood screening and heat treatment, the risk of getting HIV from transfusions is extremely small.

Scientists have found no evidence that HIV is spread through sweat, tears, urine, or feces, or through casual contat such as sharing food utensils, towels and bedding, swimming pools, telephones, or toilet seats. HIV is not spread by biting insects such as mosquitoes or bedbugs.

Since enactment of the Ryan White CARE Act in 1990, community based care has become more available. Drug treatments that nearly double the life expectancy of HIV positive individuals have improved. Also, public campaigns have increased awareness of the disease. Yet, advances such as these remain largely confined to wealthy nations.

We have an obligation to continue the fight against this disease at home. But we should also share what we have learned to help those in other countries in this life-and-death battle. We must do all we can to provide new resources to help those who cannot afford today's therapies.

For more information, please contact your doctor or health provider, or visit the following websites:

www.hawaii.gov/health/healthy-lifestyles/std-aids/

www.cdc.gov/hiv/

www.niaid.nih.gov

 

Aloha,

Neil Abercrombie

Member of Congress

 

 

Legislation to Help Improve Treatment and Fight the Spread of HIV/AIDS

 
Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA)

The HOPWA Program was established to address the housing needs of low income persons medically diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and their families. More than one-half of people living with HIV/AIDS are likely to need housing assistance at some point in their illness. Stable housing is a necessary link to medical and supportive services. However, the wait for affordable housing isincreasing in many communities across the country. With housing prices continually rising in Hawaii, suport for the HOPWA program is even more important.

I've been working to increase the 2007 HOPWA appropriation to $424 million. So far, about $300 million has been included in the House Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations bill. My colleagues and I are trying to persuade the Senate to increase the funding to the necessary $424 million.

 

 

 
Early Treatment for HIV Act (ETHA)

This legislation would allow low-income individuals living with HIV to qualify for Medicaid coverage earlier in the course of their disease. New treatments have improved both the health and quality of life for thousands. However, many uninsured and underinsured Americans still don't have access because they don't meet Medicaid requirements until they're disabled by full-blown AIDS. Despite a pressing need to eliminate barriers to early drug therapy, the legislation was not reintroduced in the 109th Congress. I plan on cosponsoring the bill once again when Congress reconvenes in January.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAPs)

Provides life saving HIV/AIDS medications to uninsured and underinsured individuals. Often, access to these drug therapies allows individuals suffering from HIV/AIDS to remain relatively healthy, productive members of society and avoid lengthey and extremely costly episodes of acute care. While ADAPs have administered their funds efficiently, they face growing demand as people with HIV/AIDS live longer. I will continue to support this program, which is funded at $789,546,000 for 2007.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Footer Text • Unsubscribe