May 26, 2010

Advocates Plan a National Call-In Day to End the ADAP Crisis

Advocates have called for a day of action May 26 on behalf of AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAPs) in the United States. People are urged to call and write President Obama and their members of Congress.

More than 160,000 people are enrolled in ADAPs nationwide. Currently 10 states have a combined total of more than 1,000 people on waiting lists, and 16 other states have restricted access to meds by reducing eligibility or removing drugs from their expenditures, according to a report by the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD).

South Carolina lawmakers will hold a hearing this week to discuss ending the state’s financial contribution to HIV/AIDS programs.

NASTAD’s annual report states: “ADAPs are currently in the eye of the ‘perfect storm’ [with] minimal increases in federal appropriations, significant state budget cuts [and] increased program demand due to unemployment.”

Click here to find contact information for your federal elected officials.

Search: advocates, ADAP, President Obama, Congress, waiting list, National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD), South Carolina, budget, cuts, unemployment

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