RSS Feed
Newsletter
D.C.’s Barry Wants Inmates Tested for HIV
August 31st, 2009
Former Washington, D.C. Mayor Marion Barry, now a member of the City Council, wants all inmates in the city jail tested for HIV/AIDS. In a bill he proposed recently, Barry urges that authorities collect blood from inmates, including those convicted of a sex crime, as they enter the D.C. Jail. Following the test, prisoners would be provided counseling, under the bill, which has been stalled in committee since July. “Lives are being lost, breadwinners are being lost, family members are being lost,” a Barry spokesman told The Washington Post. “We need to be doing all that we can in this serious situation.” Barry notes that the District of Columbia has an “alarming HIV/AIDS rate, reminding that at least 3 percent of the city’s residents – some 15,000 people – are living with the virus, the highest known rate in the nation, the Post reports. What’s even more alarming, many experts say, is the number of D.C. residents who don’t even know they have HIV/AIDS. Recent studies have shown that nearly a third of those tested for HIV are inmates at the D.C. Jail. “If you look at how the epidemic is spreading, there is a high prevalence [of the virus] in the jail population,” D.C. Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray (D), one of the bill’s co-sponsors, told the Post. “People are bringing it back to our community, which really is continuing to spread the virus.” Nationally, 21 states test inmates for HIV when they first arrive. Still, most of those only do so with inmates’ consent or upon court order, according to the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Statistics. “Since 2006, when the voluntary HIV testing program was launched, 99 percent, or more than 27,000, inmates have opted to take the test.” the Post writes. Some warn that Barry’s plan could actually deter inmates from participating in voluntary testing. “Our fear is that if you put in place a mandatory program, you not only have very little to gain but you may actually be undermining a good program that we already have in place,” said Walter Smith, executive director of D.C. Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, a public policy organization that supports HIV testing but opposes the bill. Both D.C. Corrections Director Devon Brown and HIV/AIDS Administration Director Shannon Hader said they oppose mandatory testing.
ohh yeah I found a great dating site____ R i c h F l i r t s.com_____. It is the best dating club for seeking the rich singles, beauties and even hot celebs..
what’s the most important is:you dont have to be a millionaire.but you can meet one. I think everyone need to meet some miracle after all the terrible stuff in the news and the economy .You should check it out!!!
[...] Read full story [...]
In Texas there is mandatory testing. I know 3 people who found out they were positive after going to jail.
This doesn’t sound like a good idea because it’s helping the poor. Most people think anybody that goes to jail isn’t worth saving from HIV.
I agree with D.C. Mayor.This disease is a epidemic.Almost worse than cancer.If we want to stop the spreading of this deadly disease.We will have to go before Congress to get a potential bill that would notify people in a way that is not invading anybody’s privacy.But, just so that men and woman who are dating who don’t have it.Don’t end up dating someone who does.I support the privacy law fully.But, I just think something needs to be done or else this disease will wipe out a entire race eventually.I chose not to date right now just bc there is so much out there.I feel like when I do start dating again.Trust is not there.I have to see some test results on my potential man.It’s just to dangerous now days.I am a single mom raising my child on my own.I can’t risk my life dating.As a mom, I have to be here for my child.So, dating is not on my calender anytime soon.But, I hope the Mayor gets this done and other people should unite to take measures on stopping the spread of this fatal disease.I did not say discriminate against anyone.B/c we all are human beings.But, it’s only fair that people know especially people who are dating.And words of advice use protection.Never trust anyone.
Desiree Rogers
Camden,Arkansas 71701
I feel the same way you do Desiree. I am also a single parent and I do have to live for my son. I’m the one he depends on at the end of the day. I also have the trust issues along with many other women.
whateva. D.C. should want Barry tested for HIV & *Crack* LOL!!
I always thought prisoners were checked for diseases (STD’s) when they are in-processed into the prison.
They need them tests, mang. They be all up in thurr in the pen dippin each others fudge. My boy Glok-Dub sayd he be dropping man cream in his roomates booty sometimes and they both have herpeeds.
I fully support the ex- mayor in his effects to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS. Unfortunely there are a lot of people who have not gotten tested and choose not to. DC has a very high rate and with evidence they should test everyone who enters the corrections system. I believe most men and women would lie about such a thing b/c they don’t want to be alienated. The fact of the matter is everyone has the right to know the status of their partner b4 they choose to sleep with them. Keeping such a diease a secret is not fair to others. African- Americans have the highest rate of HIV/AIDS due to the lack of testing and knowledge of how to receive proper medical care.
As long as society remains ignorant about HIV/AIDS and continues to alienate and ostracize victims of this deadly disease; people will avoid getting tested and avoid disclosing the truth about their positive status to those who need to know. Regardless how the person got HIV/AIDS they are human and deserve dignity and respect from EVERYONE!!!