Two days after Boston residents commemorated World AIDS Day, city councilors Charles Yancey (D4-Mattapan) and Chuck Turner (D7-South End/Roxbury) introduced a resolution yesterday to discuss the declaration of a State of Emergency with respect to the HIV and AIDS epidemics.
The resolution urges the discussion of recommendations presented by the Commission on HIV and AIDS as a precursor to more direct action, including the controversial issue of providing funding for the integration of age-appropriate HIV-prevention education in primary care settings as well as from kindergarten through 12.
Citing the graphic nature of past HIV and AIDS prevention programs, Councilor James Kelly (D2-Downtown/Chinatown) recommended a council hearing in order to determine the exact nature of what would be taught to children.
Kelly said the type of education provided to children should involve the input of the parents. Referring to newspaper articles about past HIV and AIDS education programs, Kelly said, ‘the descriptions were very graphic.’ He cited discussions of various types of sexual activity and how to put a condom on as graphic subjects.
‘This is not what I want to see happening,’ Kelly said. ‘This kind of thing is well documented. I want to know what we’d be talking about.
‘Sexual activity is taught to children in grades seven and eight, where children are 10, 11 and 12 years old,’ Kelly said. ‘Parents were never included in what was discussed.’
Yancey argued the education programs would be age-appropriate, but that the need to educate children about the numerous ways in which AIDS is spread is imperative.
‘Dirty needles are one way AIDS is spread,’ Yancey said. ‘I see nothing wrong with educating kids to stay away from needles. Even the youngest child should be aware they’re at risk.’
Agreeing with Kelly, Councilor At-Large Mickey Roache said parents should be included in the decision about HIV and AIDS prevention programs.
‘Parents should have full knowledge of what is going on,’ he said. ‘There is an attitude of some people to forget about the parents.’
Both councilors Stephen Murphy (At-Large) and Kelly said a hearing to look into the matter would be the best way to hear from the Commission on HIV and AIDS as well as other interested Boston residents.
In addition to HIV and AIDS prevention education, the commission recommended city health departments, medical providers and institutions become more effective in identifying HIV-infected individuals, enrolling them into care facilities and integrating prevention education as part of their ongoing care. The commission also recommended expanding access to health screening services that will promote early diagnosis and entry into care for HIV infection.
Despite budgetary constraints, several councilors agreed city funding for HIV and AIDS prevention activities is an important issue to consider.
‘We are suffering from an epidemic in Massachusetts and in the city of Boston,’ Yancey said. ‘The community has a role to play. The worse thing to do is to ignore this issue.’
According to a report released this month by the state Department of Public Health, approximately 14,000 people in Massachusetts are infected with HIV and AIDS. Boston has the third highest infection rate in the state.
Calling the epidemic ‘nothing short of a plague,’ Councilor John Tobin (D6-Roxbury) commended the resolution, which has not yet passed.
‘We really need to be a role model to the rest of the commonwealth and nation,’ he said.
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