House Acknowledges Housing's Role in HIV/AIDS Prevention and Healthcare
WASHINGTON, DC, May 25, 2010 -- The U.S. House of Representatives yesterday adopted H. Con. Res. 137, expressing the sense of the Congress that the lack of adequate housing must be addressed as a barrier to effective HIV prevention, treatment and care, and that the United States should make a commitment to providing adequate funding for developing housing as a response to the AIDS pandemic. This resolution complements the International Declaration on Poverty, Housing Instability and HIV/AIDS presented by the National AIDS Housing Coalition (NAHC) and its partners at the International AIDS Conference in Mexico City in 2008.
In a voice vote, the House adopted the resolution following powerful remarks by sponsor Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-8thNY), who noted that while advances have been made in addressing the epidemic, much remains to be done. In support of the resolution, Rep. Nadler cited statistics demonstrating housing's positive impact on HIV prevention and care, many of which had been presented in research disseminated through the NAHC Research Summit series. In a call for bi-partisan support, he offered the resolution to "move toward a sound and comprehensive policy for the prevention and treatment of HIV-AIDS". Click here to view Rep. Nadler's press release.
"This Congressional acknowledgment of housing as a critical component of HIV prevention and healthcare is powerful affirmation of the combined efforts of the community -- people living with HIV/AIDS, providers, researchers, policymakers and advocates", said NAHC Executive Director, Nancy Bernstine. "The resolution will be invaluable in continuing efforts to garner the resources needed to make stable housing a reality for those seeking to live productively while managing their illness."
Click here to read floor proceedings. For more information on H.CON.RES.137 and its companion- S.CON.RES.39, please visit our website .
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About National AIDS Housing Coalition: The National AIDS Housing Coalition (NAHC) is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in February 1994. NAHC believes that persons living with HIV/AIDS have a fundamental right to decent, safe, affordable housing and supportive services that are responsive and appropriate to their self-determined needs. NAHC works to ensure that the diverse voices of those infected and affected by HIV are heard and their needs are met. |
