Proposed DC Legislation Aims To Reduce HIV/AIDS Cases Among Senior Citizens

The number of new HIV/AIDS cases among older residents is on the rise across the country. It is especially high in D.C.

Experts say many seniors chose not to use protection during sex because many don't feel there is a danger of being infected. When many seniors are infected with HIV/AIDS, they rarely find out the infection until they are sick. Despite efforts from the medical community, many seniors don't routinely get tested for HIV/AIDS.

D.C. Council Member David Catania is introducing the Senior HIV/AIDS Education and Outreach Program. Under his plan, D.C. Health Department officials will be required to recruit and train senior citizens to be peer educators on HIV/AIDS. Senior peer groups will offer advice and conduct workshops in senior centers, nursing, and retirement homes.

If passed by the full council, this senior peer education will be the first of its kind in the country.

The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.

TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!