Press Releases

Today, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (D-FL), joined individuals and organizations across the country to advocate for HIV testing and treatment, in Black communities, as part of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Established in 1999 by five national organizations supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day encourages people to “Get Educated! Get Tested! Get Involved! Get Treated!” Congresswoman Frederica Wilson issued the following statement:

“HIV/AIDS remains a severe crisis in South Florida and throughout the nation. In communities of color, the situation is truly an emergency: African American women accounted for 68 percent of all new HIV cases among women in 2010, and had an infection rate that was nearly 20 times that of White women. No one should tolerate this tragedy.

It’s time to stand up for change. I am proud to co-sponsor a resolution in Congress this National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, calling for an end to the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS and for full implementation of a National AIDS Strategy to ensure an AIDS free generation.”

Congresswoman Wilson is available for comment.

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U.S. Rep. Frederica S. Wilson is a second-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school.