Rep. Mary Bono Honored by National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA-US)

Congresswoman Mary Bono (CA-45) was honored on Saturday, August 20, 2005 by the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA-US) with their "Positive Ally Award." The event took place in the Grand Ballroom at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel in Hollywood, CA. Congresswoman Bono was honored for her long record of commitment and accomplishments on behalf of people living with HIV/AIDS.

"It is an incredible honor for me to serve as a voice of support and advocacy in Congress for those suffering from HIV/AIDS," said Congresswoman Bono. "Through my years in Congress, I have had the privilege to meet tremendous people from my district and around the world who are affected by this terrible disease. They have been a true inspiration to me, providing me with an overwhelming drive to work to accomplish what needs to be done in Congress for this community. This issue more than any other issue crosses party lines. Republicans and Democrats understand that on this issue they must come together to work towards fighting this epidemic."

Founded in 1983, the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA-US) is a non-profit membership organization that advocates on behalf of all people living with HIV/AIDS in order to end the pandemic and the human suffering it causes. NAPWA is the oldest national AIDS organization in the United States and the oldest national network of people living with HIV/AIDS in the world. Through education, advocacy and training, NAPWA promotes positive leadership and effective policy and community responses to the AIDS pandemic. NAPWA has several initiatives designed to promote access to and the utilization of HIV prevention and treatment and to reduce stigma towards HIV-positive people.

Congresswoman Bono has been a longtime advocate for the HIV/AIDS community. As a member of the prestigious Health Subcommittee of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, Congresswoman Bono will lead the effort this year to reauthorize the Ryan White Care Act.