News Room

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Office of University Communications                                   

Kerry-Ann Hamilton
Communications Specialist
(202) 238-2631
k_hamilton@howard.edu

Photo By Kerry-Ann Hamilton

First Lady Laura Bush moderates a Roundtable Discussion on HIV/AIDS

Washington, D.C., June 19, 2007 - First Lady Laura Bush visited the Howard University Hospital's Center for Infectious Disease Management and Research (CIDMAR) on Tuesday, June 19, as part of an ongoing effort to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS in the United States. Approximately 1 million Americans have the disease and an estimated 25 percent of those infected do not know they have the virus.

Mrs. Bush chose to visit Howard University Hospital and tour CIDMAR because of its focus on early detection of HIV/AIDS, which includes making testing easily-accessible to Hospital patients. 

The Hospital was the first hospital in the United States to implement the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) 2006 recommendations for HIV testing as part of routine medical care.

"I commend Howard University Hospital for taking the lead in this important effort. The routine HIV testing being done here is a model for city and county hospitals around the country," Mrs. Bush said.  "Knowing one's HIV status is the best way to help win the fight against AIDS."

All patients to Howard University Hospital between the ages of 14 and 84 are voluntarily tested using the OraSure Advance HIV rapid test device. This oral swab screening delivers results in 20 minutes with 99.8 percent accuracy. Patients whose screenings are positive are referred to CIDMAR for secondary testing and follow-up care.

"We have made tremendous success at Howard University Hospital with HIV screening since we began providing routine, voluntary, HIV testing in all clinical departments in October 2006," said Celia Maxwell, director of CIDMAR and  "We implore patients to view annual HIV testing like a mammogram or prostate screening. This routine approach helps to reduce the stigma."

During her visit, the First Lady heard from a panel of experts about the successes and challenges in HIV care, lessons learned and new ideas about the prevention, control, treatment and detection of this infectious disease.

Among the panel participants were Adrian Fenty, mayor, Washington, D.C.; Celia Maxwell, M.D., director, CIDMAR; Amy Sitapati, medical director, CIDMAR and assistant professor, Department of Medicine; Anthony Fauci, M.D., director, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; Laura Cheever, M.D., chief medical officer, HIV/AIDS Bureau, National Institute of Health; Sayyida Martin, M.D., Senior Clinical Research; and Lynette Mundey, M.D., director, Student Health Services.

CIDMAR provides comprehensive HIV/AIDS primary care and early intervention treatment, which includes testing, counseling, case management, specialty services, and referral services to other community-based organizations.

For more information on HUH’s routine HIV Screening Services call 202-865-4825.

About Howard University Hospital
Over the course of its 145-year history of providing the finest primary, secondary and tertiary health care services, Howard University Hospital, a Level 1 Trauma Center, has become one of the most comprehensive health care facilities in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best hospitals in the nation for heart, rheumatology and hormonal disorders, Howard University Hospital is acclaimed as well for gerontology, dentistry and pediatric care, and specializes in Sickle Cell Anemia and Allergy & Asthma, among other clinical areas. As a leading teaching hospital, Howard University Hospital conducts important research and provides education for future health care providers.  For more information about Howard University Hospital, visit www.huhosp.org.