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__.= CONGRESSMAN [eee
(item, LOUIS STOKES

 

 

 

 

3 c < 21st District, Ohio ;
2365 Rayburn H.O.B. PRESS STATEMENT OF
Washington, D.C. 20515 THE HONORABLE LOUIS STOKES (D-OH) (202) 225-7032

NATIONAL COMMESSEION ON AIDS REPORT: THE CHALLENGE OF HIV/AIDS
IN COMMUNITIES OF COLOR
MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1993

I am extremely gratified to have been asked to join with the
National Commission on AIDS upon the release of their report, The
Challenge of HIV/AIDS in Communities of Color. Through the years, I
have had the pleasure of working with Dr. June Osborne and other
commissioners in addressing this serious epidemic.

 

As confirmed by this report, HIV and AIDS are devastating
communities of color. The National Commission on AIDS not only
documents the far-reaching impact this epidemic has on these
communities but lays down a course of action for our nation to

- respond.

For me, this report Yepresents a significant accomplishment. As
Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Health Braintrust,
for many years I have worked to ensure that the development of AIDS
policy included a focus on the problems of HIV infection and
minorities. In fact, this report contains several of the
recommendations which are the direct result of approaches I have been
advocating in Congress, and particularly on the Labor-Health and
Human Services-Education Appropriations Subcommittee. My efforts
were fueled by the knowledge that despite an infusion of billions of
dollars to the AIDS epidemic, people of color have had little benefit
from federal and congressional efforts in this area.

That is why the Commission’s report is so critical to developing
solutions to the problems of HIV/AIDS among persons of color. So
often the special needs and circumstances of these individuals go
unrecognized. The document released today acknowledges’ the
seriousness of the problem and signifies the Commission’ Ss commitment
to fight this disease in these communities.

In receiving the Commission's report, we must remember that to be
successful in our fight we must have the full leadership and support
from those who have influence over how much our nation responds. I
commend Dr. Osborne and the Commission for the extraordinary work
they have done in helping to lay the framework in our stand against
HIV/AIDS. I look forward to working with the Commission as they
promulgate their recommendations.

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