AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest non-profit HIV/AIDS healthcare provider in the US which currently provides treatment, care and support services to more than 97,000 individuals in 21 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean and Asia, today commended Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D, CA) for reintroducing a bill to provide comprehensive HIV testing, treatment and prevention for inmates in federal prisons and upon re-entry into the community. The bill, which is known as the Stop AIDS in Prison Act (H.R. 1429), had been previously introduced by Waters (as H.R. 1943) where it was passed by the House of Representatives during the 110th Congress by voice vote; however, the Senate did not complete action on the bill prior to adjournment.

"The 'Stop AIDS in Prison Act' seeks to address a major and growing public health issue that disproportionately affects minorities and women," said Michael Weinstein, President of AIDS Healthcare Foundation. "By providing comprehensive HIV testing, treatment and prevention services for inmates in federal prisons and upon their re-entry back into the community, this legislation will go a long way to help break the chain of new infections. We applaud Congresswoman Waters for reintroducing and carrying this urgent lifesaving legislation."

Waters announced the introduction of this bill at the Congressional Summit on the Effects of HIV and Incarceration on Communities of Color, an event on Capitol Hill organized by the National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC). The legislation directs the Federal Bureau of Prisons to test inmates upon entering and exiting federal prison and includes an "opt-out" provision should inmates wish to decline being tested. The bill also ensures that inmates found to be HIV-positive receive treatment.

"In order to best address the nation's growing HIV/AIDS epidemic, the CDC has recommended routine testing for HIV in all healthcare settings, and health policy implemented in federal prisons should remain in line with the government's own health guidelines," said Whitney Engeran-Cordova, Director of the AHF's Public Health Division. "H.R. 1429 follows these sensible CDC guidelines. By making HIV testing routine among the prison population, this bill will not only help reduce the spread of infection among inmates, but it will also protect the health of the community at large."

About AHF

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is the nation's largest non-profit HIV/AIDS organization. AHF currently provides medical care and/or services to more than 97,000 individuals in 21 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean and Asia.

AIDS Healthcare Foundation