Jeanne White Tells Senators To Fight HIV/AIDS and Reauthorize Ryan White CARE Act

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Washington, DC -- AIDS Action's National Spokesperson, Jeanne White, today called on Congress to continue the national fight against AIDS/HIV by reauthorizing this year the Ryan White CARE Act.

"As a mother dedicated to seeing our sons and daughters with HIV are taken care of, I urge you to reauthorize the CARE Act as soon as possible. It is what Ryan would want us to do," said White, mother of the young activist for whom the law is named. White's testimony was given before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee chaired by Senator James Jeffords (R-VT).

"This disease affects all kinds of people -- black, white, brown, young, old, rich, poor, Republican and Democrat. We must make sure this program stays strong so that the people living with HIV and AIDS can live as long as possible," White said.

White expected swift reauthorization supported by both Republicans and Democrats. The CARE Act was reauthorized in 1996 with the support of 65 co-sponsors in the Senate, including Senators Dole, Thurmond, Kennedy and Wellstone. It passed then on a vote of 97-3.

The Ryan White CARE Act was enacted shortly after Ryan's death and provides funding to the organizations on the frontlines against AIDS, including AIDS Action's 3,200 member organizations. The CARE Act expires this year and Jeanne White will work with AIDS Action and our member organizations to ensure its renewal by Congress and the Clinton Administration.

Diagnosed with AIDS at age 13, Ryan White is a leading historical figure of the AIDS epidemic who, with his mother Jeanne and their family, fought and triumphed over fear and ignorance in their hometown of Kokomo, Indiana. Their struggle inspired a nation to commit to the fight against AIDS with vigor and compassion. After Ryan died of the disease in 1990 at age 18, Mrs. White continued to fight to preserve Ryan's legacy, traveling the country and advocating on behalf of a fair and effective national AIDS policy. April 8th will mark the tenth anniversary of Ryan's death.