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Pelosi Statement on 25th Anniversary of the Enactment of the Ryan White CARE Act

August 18, 2015

Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

San Francisco – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today marking the 25th anniversary of the enactment of the Ryan White CARE Act:

"For 25 years, the Ryan White CARE Act has played a vital role in our nation's fight to treat and ultimately destroy HIV/AIDS. This legislation has provided an essential lifeline to Americans living with HIV/AIDS who lack the resources and coverage needed to cope with this devastating disease. As we reflect on the progress of the past quarter-century, and on the courageous legacy of Ryan White himself, we rededicate ourselves to carrying out the mission of the Ryan White CARE Act: to finally banish HIV/AIDS to the history books.

"In San Francisco, we learned early on of the awful toll HIV/AIDS can take on a community. But we responded by establishing a comprehensive system of community-based care, which later served as a model for the Ryan White CARE Act. Today, the Ryan White CARE Act ensures access to life-saving medical care for the populations of Americans who are hit hardest by this disease – more than 500,000 low-income individuals each year. Along with the Affordable Care Act, this legislation has represented a monumental step forward in our work to save lives by closing coverage gaps for people living with HIV/AIDS.

"A quarter-century after its enactment, the Ryan White CARE Act continues to reflect the resourcefulness we need to fight AIDS in America. We must never waiver in our struggle to ensure that successful initiatives to combat AIDS receive the funding and support they need from Congress. As we work to turn the tide against this disease, let us renew our vow to defeat AIDS, once and for all."

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