“AIDS/HIV infection continues to be a growing epidemic, one that needs special attention, especially among minority communities across the country,” Serrano said.  “The original Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources (CARE) Act was the first step in helping those with this illness, and its continuation is crucial to the health and well-being of hundreds of thousands of people.”

S 2311, passed by a unanimous Senate vote on June 6, 2000, was sent to the President today by a 411-0 vote in the House. Serrano is an original co-sponsor of HR 4807, the House version of the bill.

S 2311 provides critical funding to address the needs of patients living with HIV/AIDS through funding for health and social services and ensuring that patients receive care and medication. The President is expected to sign it into law.

Passage of the Ryan White CARE Act Amedments come at a time of continued concern over the alarming increase in HIV/AIDS rates in segments of the population across the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 650,000 to 900,000 Americans are now living with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, and at least 40,000 new infections occur each year. The incidence of HIV/AIDS among minorities is especially disturbing. Even though African Americans comprise less than 13 percent of the population, the number of cases in blacks surpassed those reported in whites in 1995. The Hispanic population also continues to be disproportionately affected as well. Hispanics currently represent 20 percent of all new AIDS cases but only 11 percent of the general population.

“AIDS/HIV is a national issue, and we must continue to fight the epidemic,” Serrano said. “I applaud all efforts to combat this deadly illness.”

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