AZT becomes the first drug approved to treat HIV, and the U.S. Congress provides $30 million to help cover costs for those who cannot afford the drug.
Congress also passes the Helms Amendment that barred the use of federal dollars to “promote or encourage…homosexual activities,” which prevented the Centers for Disease Control from funding efforts targeting a highly impacted community.
ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) forms its first chapter in New York City to mobilize affected communities and supporters to encourage private and public institutions to address HIV/AIDS.
Announcement Date: January 1, 1987
