21 Jul Academy Mourns the Passing of Representative John Lewis
The American Academy of HIV Medicine is mourning the loss of Representative John Lewis (D-GA), a beacon of the civil rights movement and an ambassador for equality.
Throughout his career, Rep. Lewis fought against systemic racism and disparities within our healthcare system, advocating that all Americans have access to the care they need. He was an especially fierce supporter of people with and at risk for HIV, which disproportionately affects people of color in our country.
The Academy was honored to work with Rep. Lewis and his staff recently in an effort to refine and advance H.R. 7543, the HIV Epidemic Loan-Repayment Program (HELP) Act. This legislation would provide student loan forgiveness to health professionals providing HIV treatment in high prevalence areas. We will continue to work to advance the HELP Act in honor of Rep. Lewis.
“We lost a true American hero with the passing of Rep. Lewis,” stated Margaret Hoffman-Terry, chair of the Academy Board of Directors. “His legacy has left a solid foundation upon which we will continue to build a more equitable world. We celebrate the shift that is happening in our country, exposing racism and working towards real solutions. Rep. Lewis was a catalyst for change. He will continue to inspire our work for years to come.”