The State - News from July 5, 1985

San Francisco gay leaders and medical professionals told a congressional committee that the federal government is not spending enough on AIDS service and is forcing victims to go to other countries for treatment. The fatal disease is transmitted by sexual contact and through blood products. “We know there is no cure,” said AIDS victim John Lorenzini, “but we also understand there are drugs out there (in France, Sweden and Mexico) that may extend the quality of our lives and how long we may be here.” Dr. Mervyn F. Silverman, the city’s consultant on AIDS, said national funding for research and treatment of the disease has been slashed from $185 million to $85 million next year.