AIDS Action leader, Rep. Coburn get tested for HIV, underscore importance of voluntary HIV testing

Opponents on most HIV prevention issues, Rep. Coburn and AIDS Action's Zingale agree to public HIV test to promote importance of anonymous, voluntary HIV testing

WHAT: AIDS Action Executive Director Daniel Zingale and Rep. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), who are often locked in opposition on most AIDS-related issues, agree to get publicly tested for HIV as a way to promote the importance of anonymous, voluntary HIV testing.

"While we certainly disagree with Rep. Coburn on many issues, including his HIV Prevention Act of 1997, we also agree on the critical need for people to get voluntarily tested for HIV," Zingale said. "Especially given recent dramatic medical breakthroughs, it is important that HIV-infected individuals learn their status and gain access to state-of-the-art care and social services."

WHEN: 2:30 to 3 p.m., Thursday, June 26, 1997

WHERE:Clinica del Pueblo
1470 Irving Street, NW
(between 14Th and 15th streets, across from Lincoln Middle School)

WHO: Daniel Zingale, AIDS Action Executive Director
Rep. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.)
Candace Kattar, Dir. of HIV/AIDS Services, Clinica del Pueblo

For more information, contact AIDS Action's José Zuñiga at (202) 986-1300, Ext. 3042, Clinica del Pueblo's Candace Kattar at (202) 462-4788, or Rep. Coburn's senior legislative aide Roland Foster at (202) 225-2701.

AIDS Action is the nation's foremost AIDS advocacy organization, representing all Americans affected by HIV and AIDS, and over 1,400 community-based organizations that serve them.

José Zuñiga
AIDS Action Council
1875 Connecticut Avenue NW #700
Washington DC 20009
202-986-1300, extension 3042
202-986-1345 (fax)
202-332-9614 (tty)
E-Mail: aidsaction@aidsaction.org