Guest post by Harold Phillips, deputy director of programs at NMAC

Harold PhillipsCourtesy of NMAC

The past few weeks have been challenging, but I want to address some of the issues that threaten the health and well-being of our communities. While these developments may feel overwhelming, I want to assure you that NMAC remains steadfast in its commitment to those we serve and efforts to end the HIV epidemic.

The proposed funding reductions and harmful policies aimed at rolling back critical support for marginalized communities are deeply troubling. They threaten to undo decades of progress in HIV prevention, care, and research. However, we have faced such threats before and collectively have always risen to the occasion. NMAC has, throughout the history of the HIV epidemic, found ways to work in a bipartisan manner across government. Currently, we are exploring ways to do this again because HIV is an important public health issue and we have come too far to not finish the job of ending the HIV epidemic.
 

Here’s how we are responding:

  1. Communications and Information Sharing: NMAC, guided by external and in-house policy and communications counsel, is working tirelessly with our partners and allies in Washington to analyze the rapidly evolving policies and actions, as well as their impact on our movement. We are engaging policymakers to share information and ensure there is understanding of the impacts on the community. We are also exploring ways to amplify the voices of impacted communities to make sure local concerns are heard loud and clear.

  2. Engagements to Protect and Preserve HIV Funding: Over four decades, our movement has created incredible systems of HIV prevention, care, support and research. In spite of our nation’s fragmented health care delivery system, we have created networks to link individuals to life-saving and enhancing services. We have expanded the health care workforce and found innovative approaches to provide HIV prevention and care in both urban and rural areas. These networks of health departments, community health centers, university clinics, AIDS service providers, housing providers and community-based agencies are funded through a mix of private and public funding. This funding improves the health and well-being of the American public but it also provides community and economic benefits. NMAC is working to tell the story of how those investments have led to a 21% reduction in new infections and why continued investment is necessary. 

  3. Committing to the Essential Work: Now more than ever, we are doubling down on our commitment to ensure there are data-driven approaches to end the HIV epidemic leaving no one behind.  NMAC is continuing the work to ensure that the communities who need HIV prevention, care and support services the most are not forgotten. Access to medical and support interventions has to not only continue but improve to meet the needs of those living with and at risk of HIV disease. NMAC is continuing its comment to the essential work of ending the HIV epidemic.

 

We cannot overstate the importance of finding ways to fuel and strengthen your resolve to continue making a difference. Whatever feeds your mind, body and soul, get some more of that. We need you.  We need each other. I am reminded that progress is never linear, but if we can find ways to come together with renewed strength we can make sure progress continues. 

 

In solidarity,

Harold Phillips

Deputy Director of Programs

NMAC