Statement on the Report
of the Presidential Commission on the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Epidemic
I
have just been briefed on the unanimous report of the Commission on the Human
Immunodeficiency Virus Epidemic by Adm. James D. Watkins, the Commission's
Chairman. The report represents an impressive effort and significantly
increases our level of understanding to deal with AIDS. To begin implementing
this report, I am today directing Dr. Ian Macdonald, a distinguished physician
and my Special Assistant for Drug Policy, to present to me within 30 days a course
of action that takes us forward. At Admiral Watkins' suggestion, I have also
directed Dr. Macdonald to include among his priorities consideration of
specific measures to strengthen implementation of the policy guidance from
``AIDS in the Workplace,'' recently issued by the Office of Personnel
Management.
The
report embraces the major concepts my administration laid out over a year ago:
to be compassionate towards victims of the disease; to care for them with
dignity and kindness; and at the same time, to inform and educate our citizens
so that we can prevent the further spread of the disease.
There
is a direct relationship between drug abuse and the spread of the HIV virus
that becomes AIDS. It is critical that particular attention be focused on this
relationship now, while developing a national consensus on additional anti-drug
abuse measures.
I
want to express my sincere appreciation to Admiral Watkins and all of the
Commission participants for their perseverance and diligence in completing their
work. It is my hope that we can continue to approach this problem, which is
more than a medical crisis or a public health threat, in a thoughtful and
bipartisan manner.