Jenniffer González awarded Hero Award for her work toward an HIV/AIDS-free generation

Washington, D.C. - Representatives Jenniffer González-Colón (PR-AL) and Barbara Lee (CA-13) accepted the Hero Award on behalf of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus, for their work in understanding and countering HIV and AIDS around the world through policy and other initiatives.

"These efforts have been transformative, and we owe this incredible progress to countless scientists and researchers, and advocates like you," said Rep. González-Colón. "I humbly accept as a promise to you to continue our fight against HIV and AIDS".

The Caucus was recognized by the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF)for its resilience, on both sides of the aisle, to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States and abroad.

"This year, I look forward to continuing building on the progress we have made, especially on PEPFAR," Rep. González-Colón added. "Reducing new HIV infections in children - more than 5.5 million - is one of PEPFAR's greatest accomplishments".

Puerto Rico has the nation's 12th highest rate of new HIV diagnoses, and close to 50,000 AIDS cases reported with 59 percent resulting in death.

Representative Jenniffer González Colón has served as co-chair of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus since 2019.

She has supported funding to HIV programs that have reached communities in Puerto Rico, assembled organizations and agencies in Puerto Rico to discuss common goals, challenges, and initiatives to address the Island's high number of HIV diagnoses, and introduced legislation to raise awareness and to eliminate discrimination against those living with HIV/AIDS. and participated in forums and briefings to give this issue national visibility and stress urgency on the matter.

Last year, González Colón received the National Minority AIDS Council's Hill Champion Award for her commitment to fight toward achieving an AIDS-free generation.

The award was presented to Reps. Jenniffer González Colón and Barbara Lee (D-CA) by Charles Lyons, the president and CEO of the EGPAF at the organization's 35th-anniversary celebration in Washington, D.C.

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