June 18, 2008 |
Contacts:
Noel Alicea, 212-367-1216
Daryl Cochrane, 917-548-6518
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GMHC Applauds NYS Commissioner of Health and Assembly Health Chair for Pushing HIV Testing Measure
Rival Bill Does Nothing to Ensure More Testing
Albany, N.Y. — Yesterday, NYS Health Commissioner Dr. Richard Daines and Assemblyman Health Chair Richard N. Gottfried, together with Assembly Health Committee colleagues, advanced an HIV testing measure that would guarantee a dramatic increase in the numbers of persons tested for HIV across the state. Conversely, a rival bill which also advanced through the health committee would do nothing to get more people tested for HIV.
"By simply requiring the offering of an HIV test in medical settings, the Daines-Gottfried measure will greatly increase HIV testing. It will help to reduce HIV stigma by making testing a routine part of medical care. This measure will also preserve the crucial preventive function of HIV informed consent," said Marjorie J. Hill, PhD., Chief Executive Officer of Gay Men's Health Crisis, based in New York City. Dr. Hill also adds, "The Mayersohn bill does not require a doctor to do anything. I fail to see how this proposal will increase testing rates."
Approximately 25% of New Yorkers who have HIV are unaware of their status. With the clear intent of reducing this 1 in 4 statistic, GMHC has worked tirelessly with the State and City Departments of Health, the Health Chairs in both the Assembly and Senate and the HIV provider and advocacy community to craft the Daines-Gottfried proposal. In addition to universally increasing HIV testing, this bill will also help to protect health care workers in some instances of occupational exposure to HIV.
"The two testing bills under consideration cannot co-exist in law. GMHC urges the continued advancement of the superior Daines-Gottfried approach. We believe that both houses of the legislature should not leave Albany before passing this vital public health measure," said Dr. Hill.
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About Gay Men's Health Crisis
Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the fight against AIDS. We provide services and programs to over 15,000 men, women and families that are living with or affected by HIV/AIDS in New York City, and outreach and education to hundreds of thousands throughout the world. For more information, please visit www.gmhc.org .
© 2008 Gay Men's Health Crisis
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