Action Alert!!!!
MCC members across the United States have responded generously to recent MCC Action Alerts calling on the Federal Government to reauthorize the Ryan White Care Act -- the U.S. government's primary source of HIV/AIDS funding -- in a fair and just manner.
The Ryan White Care Act provides life-saving medical care and support services to people living with HIV/AIDS throughout the United States.
Your help is urgently needed now to ensure that the government's commitment to persons with HIV/AIDS is not weakened. The U.S. Congress is considering passage of a version of this legislation that would undermine the supportive infrastructure that has served people with HIV/AIDS during the last 15 years.
It is vital that the U.S. Congress not only adopt the reauthorization of the Ryan White Care Act, but that it do so in a version that does not cut services or assistance. This Act is vital for all persons living with the HIV virus and their families. And Metropolitan Community Churches across the U.S. provide programming and services for people living with AIDS, some of which is funded by the Ryan White Care Act.
Here is the reality: While the numbers of people living with HIV continue to rise, as has the cost of providing treatment and care, the Ryan White Care Act has been flat-funded since 2000.
Here is the reality: For two days' cost to fund the war in Iraq, the Federal Government could eliminate all waiting lists for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP).
Ask your legislators to take three steps to fix the Ryan White Care Act reauthorization legislation:
1. Expand Funding To Ensure Access To Care
Treatment experts and activists have identified the need for at least $197 million for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) to eliminate waiting lists for this life-saving drug program.
2. Extend "Hold Harmless" Provisions To Five Years
The “Hold Harmless†provisions have protected the epicenters of the epidemic from huge swings in funding when the rate of infection dips in the course of any given year. This provision means the HIV care infrastructure doesn't have to be dismantled and put back together with every swing in the rate of infection and diagnosis. The proposed legislation will weaken this provision to shift more funds to emerging regions with high rates of infection. We encourage legislation that will balance new funding for emerging areas with the continued support for high-prevalence epicenters for the most equitable use of funding.
3. Broaden The "Core Medical Services" Requirement To Authorize Services That Support Treatment Adherence and Good Health
We encourage continued funding for medically appropriate housing, adequate nutrition, transportation, and support services -- all of which help people living with HIV/AIDS maintain their treatment regimen, take their medication and keep their doctors’ appointments. We oppose any legislation that restricts services solely to "core medical services" and that thereby prohibits the supportive services that save lives.
Please take action today.
Then forward this Action Alert to your friends... to your lists... and to LGBT friendly groups in your area.