WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced a resolution to recognize April 10 as National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. While HIV/AIDS affects people of all backgrounds, prevention is key for young people, who are the group of people living with HIV least likely to receive consistent medical treatment. Youth make up 19 percent of the 31,800 annual new HIV diagnoses in the US, and raising awareness is key to slowing down future infections.
“As chair of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus, I’m honored to introduce this resolution,” said Congressman Pocan. “We’ve made great progress fighting this disease, but there is still more we can do. While the current administration buries its head in the sand, I have one message for our young people: take your health into your own hands. Get tested, know your status, and get treatment if necessary.”
“Nearly twenty percent of all new HIV diagnoses in the United States are among young people—with many more slipping through the cracks when it comes to reporting, diagnosis, and access to care,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Engaging with and educating young people about the risks of HIV/AIDS is critical to eradicating this epidemic once and for all. While the Trump Administration defunds and undermines federal efforts to achieve this goal, our resolution affirms the importance of investing in HIV/AIDS education, prevention, and lifesaving treatment in the United States and around the globe.”
In addition to recognizing this day, the resolution also calls for prioritizing youth leadership and development, increasing HIV/AIDS comprehensive and effective prevention education, providing youth-friendly and accessible healthcare services, and urging state and local governments to recognize and support this day.
In the United States, young people ages 13 to 24 account for 20 percent of all new HIV diagnoses. Nearly half of all young people living with HIV are unaware of their status, and only 6 percent of high school students are tested for HIV.
Text of the House Resolution can be found here.
Additional Co-sponsors include: Senator Chris Van Hollen (MD), U.S. Representatives Judy Chu (CA-28), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Danny Davis (IL-07), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Jerry Nadler (NY-10), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12)
Endorsing organizations include: AIDS Institute, AVAC, HIV Medicine Association, PrEP4All
