Supporting the goals and ideals of National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day.

Whereas National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day is a nationwide observance that brings attention to the growing number of people living long and full lives with HIV/AIDS to their health, and to their social needs; Whereas more than 40 years into the epidemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that in the United States there are more than 1,200,000 people living with HIV/AIDS, and every year approximately 40,000 people acquire HIV/AIDS; Whereas over half of people living with HIV/AIDS in the United States and dependent areas are individuals who are aged 50 and over; Whereas globally, there are 5,700,000 people living with HIV/AIDS aged 50 and older; Whereas in the United States, one in six of every new HIV diagnosis is of an individual aged 50 and over; Whereas research indicates that older people in the United States are more likely than younger individuals in the United States to be diagnosed with HIV late in the course of their disease, meaning such older people are more likely to be dually diagnosed with HIV and AIDS; Whereas the Department of Health and Human Services reports that people living with HIV for many years can exhibit clinical characteristics observed in aging, including multiple chronic diseases or coexisting conditions, the use of multiple medications, changes in physical and cognitive abilities, and increased vulnerability to stressors; and Whereas September 18 of each year is recognized as National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day: Now, therefore, be it That the House of Representatives— (1) supports the goals and ideals of National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day; (2) encourages Tribal, State, territorial, and local governments, including their public health agencies, geriatric providers and professionals, social service providers, State units on aging, area agencies on aging, and media organizations to recognize and support such a day; (3) supports the right of older people to HIV education, prevention, treatment, and care, and to live without criminalization, discrimination, oppression, and stigma; (4) supports increased services and access to health care and treatment for people living with HIV, particularly older people, who are among the estimated 400,000 people living with HIV/AIDS who are not in care or virally suppressed; (5) supports sound policymaking based on the premise of Treatment as Prevention (TasP) or Undetectable=Untransmittable, or U=U; (6) supports the repeal of HIV laws and policies that are scientifically inaccurate and unfairly criminalize older people living with HIV for behaviors that are consensual or have no risk of transmissions; (7) urges age-friendly and accessible health care services, especially access to HIV testing and antiretroviral therapy without regard to age, to better provide for the early identification of HIV among people of all ages, and to connect those in need of clinically and culturally appropriate care and treatment as early as possible; (8) supports the increase of funding for programs that support older people impacted by and living with HIV/AIDS, including the HIV Health Care Services Program under title XXVI of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 300ff–11 et seq. 42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq. 42 U.S.C. 12901 et seq. (A) educating communities on testing and treatment options for older people living with HIV/AIDS; and (B) helping older people to access preexposure prophylaxis and postexposure prophylaxis to prevent acquisition of HIV; and (9) recommends a comprehensive HIV prevention and treatment strategy that empowers older people, public health workers, social service providers, geriatric providers and professionals, faith leaders, and other stakeholders to fully engage with their communities and families to improve the quality of life and health for older people living with HIV/AIDS, to— (A) help decrease violence, discrimination, and stigma toward individuals who disclose their sexual orientation or HIV status; and (B) provide them the services and supports they need as they age.

Summary: This resolution supports the goals and ideals of National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day.