AUGUSTA — Rep. Christine Burstein, D-Lincolnville, will serve on the statewide committee that advises policymakers on HIV- and AIDS-related issues in Maine.

Burstein was appointed by Speaker of the House Mark Eves this week as one of only two legislative members of the advisory committee. She will serve alongside officials from a range of relevant state agencies, as well as Mainers who are involved in HIV and AIDS prevention, health care, and patient advocacy.

"The HIV Advisory Committee's work ensures our state's policymakers have the information they need to fight the spread and impact of this infectious disease," said Burstein in a news release. "As a nurse practitioner, I look forward to working with experts from across the state to recommend the best policy decisions to keep Mainers healthy."

Burstein has also introduced a bill to help prevent the spread of diseases like HIV and viral hepatitis. The measure would provide funding for screening, prevention and treatment services through the Maine Center for Disease Control for uninsured Mainers who have contracted, or are at-risk for contracting these diseases.

The Maine CDC estimates that more than 2,000 Mainers were living with HIV as of 2012. The infectious disease damages the immune system by destroying specific blood cells, leaving those infected vulnerable to infections.

Burstein is serving her first term in the Maine House and is a member of the Committee on Health and Human Services.

She represents Belmont, Liberty, Lincolnville, Montville, Morrill, Palermo and Searsmont.