30th Anniversary of Centers for Disease Control report recognizing what would become the AIDS epidemic

This morning I joined leaders in Los Angeles's fight against HIV/AIDS to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the first Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that recognized what would eventually become the AIDS epidemic. The year after the report was released, the term "AIDS" was coined and the following year researchers discovered HIV.

I was honored to introduce Dr. Michael Gottlieb, the report's primary author, who today reminded us that "now is exactly the wrong time to back off" in our efforts to prevent HIV/AIDS.

Although it's a solemn occasion, this anniversary is a time to reflect on the progress we've made toward addressing the health and service needs of those living with HIV/AIDS and to recommit to meeting the tremendous challenges that remain.

For more information about the City of Los Angeles's efforts on HIV/AIDS, please visit the website of the AIDS Coordinator.