Authors: National Council of Urban Indian Health

Publication Year: 2006

Last Updated: 2010-08-18 15:38:35

Journal:

Keywords: RWCA, Ryan White, Bingaman, NCUIH, NNAAPC, HIV/AIDS, Yvonne Davis, Native Americans, National Native American AIDS Prevention Center

Short Abstract:

Following months of political stalemate, the Ryan White Care Act (RWCA) was reauthorized by the Senate last week. While the passing of the bill bodes well for all individuals infected with HIV/AIDS, the news of the reauthorization was also widely lauded by Indian Country. For the first time in the history of RWCA, provisions guaranteeing treatment for Native Americans are included

Abstract:

WASHINGTON December 11, 2006

Following months of political stalemate, the Ryan White Care Act (RWCA) was reauthorized by the Senate last week. While the passing of the bill bodes well for all individuals infected with HIV/AIDS, the news of the reauthorization was also widely lauded by Indian Country. For the first time in the history of RWCA, provisions guaranteeing treatment for Native Americans are included.

This is terrific news for the many Native Americans infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, said Yvonne Davis, Interim Director of the National Native American AIDS Prevention Center (NNAAPC), upon learning of the reauthorization. Because of these provisions, Native Americanswhether in urban, rural or Tribal landsare now assured the same level of treatment as everyone else in the country.

The provisions came about because of the hard work and dedication of the National Native American Aids Prevention Center and the National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH), along with the immeasurable leadership of Senator Bingaman (D-NM). Since summer, these organizations have devoted considerable time and effort to educate policy makers about RWCA in relation to Native American health. Considered a not-at-risk population, Native Americans have traditionally been omitted from RWCA. However, because of the spiking infection rates among this populationwhile the general population is experiencing dropping infection ratespolicy makers have finally been alerted to this mounting problem.

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