Remembering Ryan White and the Ryan White CARE Act 20 years later
My how time flies and how far we’ve come when it comes to awareness and acceptance of those with HIV and AIDS in comparison to the 1980s. At the same time, we have quiet a way to go. One of the icons in the AIDS movement was Ryan White who died of AIDS on this day, April 8, 1990 at the tender age of 13. A hemophiliac, Ryan was diagnosed with AIDS in 1984 from receiving a blood treatment that was infected. The story of this young man from the midwest helped to begin to shift our thinking that HIV/AIDS was not a “gay disease.” Yet, he still faced his share of discrimination and was denied the opportunity to attend school once the school system became aware that Ryan had AIDS. Together, Ryan and his mother Jennifer White Ginder launched a campaign to both raise awareness and allow young Ryan to attend school like other children his age. While he passed away before any legislation was passed, his efforts were not in vain. On August 18, 1990 the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act was passed making federal issued funding available for support, research, and services to people living with HIV and AIDS. The Act is now called the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program.
Today, with the many advancements in the treatment of HIV/AIDS patients, I have no doubt that he would be alive and enjoying his 33rd year of life. To write “33rd year of life” brings me chills and a few tears. That is still so young…
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has a nice page dedicated to Ryan complete with audio clips. Take a few minutes to look at the site and listen to Ryan White’s mom talk about various topics such as “How Could He Have AIDS?” Here’s the link http://hab.hrsa.gov/about/ryanwhite.htm. Also check out HRSA’s page for the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program- A Living History http://hab.hrsa.gov/livinghistory/.
Here’s a nice video summarizing the life of Ryan White…
Related Links
The Indianapolis Star- 20 years after death, Ryan White’s legacy lives on
Indiana Public Broadcasting News- Remembering Ryan White: part 1
Indiana Public Broadcasting News- Remembering Ryan White: part 2
