National Clinicians HIV/AIDS Testing and Awareness Day
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The first-ever National Clinicians AIDS/HIV Testing and Awareness Day was launched on Monday, July 21, 2008 at 11:00 am with an event on the west front steps of the U.S. Capitol Building. Guest speakers and dignitaries representing the Congressional black Caucus and DC Department of Health along with collaborative partners from the National Association of People Living With AIDS, the CAEAR Foundation, Howard University Hospital Women’s Health Institute and a host of other were in attendance. Passionate appeals were made towards all healthcare providers, particularly those who care for minority populations but are currently not involved in HIV testing, treating or referral to help eliminate the stigma and other societal barriers all-too-often associated with HIV testing, within minority communities.
This unique day called for all clinicians to set the example by taking an HIV test themselves, demonstrating how simple and non intrusive HIV testing can be and to ultimately provide a more open dialog within healthcare settings among clinicians and their patients who may be involved in risky sexual behavior. This in turn will promote additional education, prevention and care for ethnic minorities who remain disproportionately afflicted by HIV/AIDS in the U.S.
Results from the day are as follows:
- Over 100 clinicians registered to either take the test, get more information or request training.
- 20 different healthcare settings are interested in participating in National Clinicians HIV Testing and Awareness Day next year.
- The highlight of the day was the creation and reading of a Congressional Resolution supporting the efforts of this important initiative. A press release from Congresswoman Maxine Waters was released which read:
CONGRESSWOMAN WATERS OBSERVES
NATIONAL CLINICIANS HIV/AIDS TESTING AND AWARENESS DAY;
URGES DOCTORS AND NURSES TO GET TESTED FOR HIV
Washington, D.C. – Today on Capitol Hill, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-35) announced the introduction in the House of Representatives of a resolution to honor the first annual National Clinicians HIV/AIDS Testing and Awareness Day. At least 26 Members of Congress will be cosponsoring the resolution.
“I am proud to introduce this resolution in honor of the first annual National Clinicians HIV/AIDS Testing and Awareness Day,” said Congresswoman Waters.
The Congresswoman made her announcement during an event organized by the National Minority AIDS Education and Training Center (NMAETC) to urge physicians, physician assistants, nurses, dentists and other clinicians to get personally involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS by taking an HIV test, personally demonstrating the importance as well as the ease of HIV testing.
“Doctors, nurses, and other clinicians play a critical role in encouraging patients to get tested for HIV. I urge all clinicians to become actively involved in HIV/AIDS awareness, testing, treatment, and referral services in their communities, and I urge all clinicians to take an HIV test today and set a good example for their patients to follow,” said the Congresswoman.
Congresswoman Waters has sponsored three initiatives in the 110th Congress to promote HIV/AIDS awareness, testing and treatment.
- She introduced H.R. 822, the Routine HIV/AIDS Screening Coverage Act. This bill would require health insurance plans to cover routine HIV tests under the same terms and conditions as other routine health screenings and therefore encourage and enable more Americans to be tested for HIV/AIDS. This bill has over 40 cosponsors.
- She is continuing her efforts to expand the Minority AIDS Initiative, which she established back in 1998 to expand HIV testing, treatment and prevention among racial and ethnic minorities. HIV/AIDS is more prevalent in minority communities. On March 19, 2008, she sent a letter to House appropriators requesting $610 million for the Minority AIDS Initiative in fiscal year 2009, and 79 Members of Congress signed her letter.
- She introduced H.R. 1943, the Stop AIDS in Prison Act, which was passed by the House of Representatives on September 25, 2007, and now awaits consideration in the Senate. This bill requires the Federal Bureau of Prisons to test all prison inmates for HIV, unless the inmate opts out of taking the test. The bill also requires HIV/AIDS prevention education for all inmates and comprehensive treatment for those who test positive.
Please visit this site in the coming months as we unveil plans to collaboratively develop new partnerships with HBCUs, municipal health departments, medical associations and community based organizations around the country to further develop outreach strategies for this new initiative.
If you need further assistance, please contact contact@cliniciansgettested.org.
National Minority AIDS Education and Training Center
Howard University College of Medicine
1840 7th Street NW, 2nd Floor
Washington, D.C. 20001
Phone: (202) 865-8146
Email us at: info@nmaetc.org