Congressman Charles B. Rangel applauded yesterday the four-year extension of the largest federally funded HIV/AIDS treatment program in the country − a measure that was approved by the House by a strong 408-to-9 vote. The program, called the Ryan White program, funds services that improve the availability of care for low-income, uninsured, and under-insured people with HIV/AIDS. It also provides technical assistance to local and state primary medical care providers, support services, healthcare providers, and training programs.

"Today we have brought relief to so many people who are living with HIV/AIDS and to their families and loved ones," Rangel said. "It is good to know that thousands of people who suffer from this life-threatening disease can now worry that much less about paying for their medicine or treatments. For them, the funding and extending of this program is vital."

HIV/AIDS affects more than 1 million people in the United States. Over 530,000 low-income people with HIV/AIDS depend on the services provided through the Ryan White program. In New York City alone, about 104,234 people have been diagnosed and reported to be living with HIV/AIDS, including 63,899 who live with the full AIDS syndrome. Approximately 32,000 New Yorkers use Ryan White, Part A services for medical treatment, support services, and other care that they would not otherwise be able to afford.

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