A TRIBUTE TO THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PEOPLE WITH AIDS (NAPWA) -- HON. KAREN McCARTHY (Extensions of Remarks - July 28, 1999)

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HON. KAREN McCARTHY OF MISSOURI IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TUESDAY, JULY 27, 1999

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the National Association of People with Aids (NAPWA)--the leading advocate on behalf of all people living with HIV and AIDS in order to end the pandemic and human suffering caused by HIV/AIDS.

NAPWA was founded in 1983 in Denver, Colorado, at the Second National AIDS Forum. This organization has been at the forefront of the AIDS epidemic to address the issues of equality and equal access to treatment and prevention methods regardless of race, gender, class, or sexual orientation. On Saturday, July 31, 1999, NAPWA will hold their Annual Retreat in Kansas City, Missouri, including a public forum on ``AIDS Now and in the New Millennium,'' where a panel of leading experts, including Sandy Thurman, Director of the Office of National AIDS Policy, will discuss the latest developments in the effort to end the AIDS crisis. This forum will provide an opportunity for city, county, state, and national leaders, AIDS Service organizations, HIV infected individuals, health departments, faith communities, and medical professionals to talk about issues surrounding the AIDS epidemic and the funding that is needed to maintain quality health care services and innovative prevention strategies.

At this forum, NAPWA will welcome Roger A. Gooden--an AIDS survivor and tireless advocate for people with AIDS--as the newly elected Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mr. Gooden has a rich history of fighting for AIDS/HIV treatment and prevention, as well as for the rights of people with AIDS. He currently serves on the State of Missouri's Governor's Council on AIDS and the Board of Directors of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of Greater Kansas City. Recently, Mr. Gooden was honored by the Missouri Department of Health Division of Environmental Health and Communicable Disease
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Prevention, Bureau of HIV/AIDS Care and Prevention Services, in recognition of his dedication and service to the State of Missouri in advocating for people living with HIV/AIDS and the prevention of the spread of HIV. Mr. Gooden was also honored by Kansas City Mayor Emanual Cleaver and the City Council with a resolution and proclamation recognizing his election as Chairman of the Board of NAPWA and for his dedicated service and efforts in the fight against AIDS.

NAPWA is an active and effective organization, providing many services to legislators and people with AIDS/HIV. For instance, NAPWA provides Community Education, Technical Assistance, and Regional Training Workshops around the country for people with HIV, to give them the skills they need to participate in HIV prevention community planning with Ryan White CARE Act Planning Bodies. NAPWA also coordinates a diverse national network of committed public speakers through the Leadership Development Initiative. This initiative, coupled with the Youth Initiative involves outreach services where peers talk to peers about AIDS and HIV, encouraging each other to modify risk behaviors and change attitudes toward people with AIDS/HIV.

NAPWA also participates in a wide array of prevention, health promotion, and educational efforts for those infected with and at risk for HIV. NAPWA publishes several fact sheets, alerts, and reports, as well as supporting an Information and Referral Service, to provide the nation with up-to-date and accurate information about the AIDS pandemic. NAPWA also sponsors National HIV Testing Day in June of each year, to encourage early and frequent testing for HIV/AIDS, especially for those who are at higher risk.

Mr. Speaker, NAPWA's highest priority is the development of effective new treatments and a cure for HIV disease. Please join me in commending NAPWA for its tireless efforts on behalf of people with AIDS.
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