Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) introduced the Comprehensive HIV Prevention Act of 1997 with the bi-partisan support of 104 of her colleagues today. "I am pleased to join with Rep. Connie Morella (R-MD) and more than 100 of my colleagues in introducing this true prevention bill which authorizes a variety of HIV prevention services within the Public Health Service," Pelosi said.
The goal of this legislation is to promote targeted primary prevention programs to reduce the number of new HIV infections. "Facing nearly 40,000 new HIV infections each year, we must revitalize and prioritize our federal, state and local HIV prevention efforts," said Pelosi. "This effort requires focusing federal, state and local programs for planning, resource allocation, evaluation and technical assistance."
The bill also responds to the growing challenge of HIV infection among women by authorizing prevention services through family planning clinics, community health centers, substance abuse treatment programs, and other primary care settings. In addition, the bill creates a new program to respond to concerns about HIV infection among victims of rape.
