AIDS in the U.S.A.

AIDS in the U.S.A.

How to give President Obama your advice on combating the epidemic here at home.


The Washington Post
Tuesday, August 25, 2009

WE CANNOT write often enough about the terrible toll that HIV/AIDS is exacting on the United States. More than 56,000 Americans become infected with HIV every year. In the District of Columbia, the epidemic rages on with more than 3 percent of the total population living with the disease that has no cure. The "generalized and severe epidemic" threshold is crossed when 1 percent of a local population is living with HIV/AIDS. And African Americans, just 12 percent of the population, account for 46 percent of those living with the disease. These are the statistics that motivate a White House push for a desperately needed national AIDS strategy.

On Friday, President Obama announced the first in a series of national community discussions meant to inform and provide input as the White House Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP) puts together that strategy. According to ONAP, Tuesday's meeting in Atlanta will seek views from participants on how to reduce HIV infections, increase access to care and reduce "HIV-related health disparities." Other cities on the itinerary include New York, Los Angeles, Jackson, Miss., and, yes, the District. Dates for those discussions will be announced later.

If you can't make it to one of the impending discussions, you can still let the White House know how you think it can achieve Mr. Obama's three goals. Go to http://www.aids.gov. Not only will you be able to leave your comment or idea, but you will also have access to the latest information on the epidemic, prevention, testing and treatment.