The State of the Crisis: ADAP Advocacy Across the Country

In this post we share some strategies and resources advocates around the country are using to respond to the widespread AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) funding crisis.  Tell us what’s going on in your neck of the woods!

First, some brief background:

States across the country find themselves in the midst of an ADAP funding crisis as the economic downturn is devastating their ability to raise sufficient revenue.  Flat funding by the federal government and escalating drug costs are compounding the fiscal problems.

Demand is spiking as more people turn to safety net programs like ADAP as a result of becoming unemployed and losing health coverage.  Increased efforts to identify HIV positive individuals through testing are likewise adding pressure as people become aware of their status and are linked to care.

What strategies and tools are advocates using to respond to this crisis?

Dose of Change offers up these examples of advocacy in action as groups across the country respond to the crisis.  These are just a few of the endeavors we’ve identified so we are asking you to send us more examples of ADAP advocacy tools in your community.  Let’s all learn from each other and stop more cuts before they happen.

State Level Resources

Illinois – The AIDS Foundation of Chicago has a page on its website devoted to efforts to protect ADAP in its state, which is currently considering cost containment measures.

North Carolina - This state has an ADAP waiting list and the government recently circulated a document covering frequently asked questions regarding new restrictions to medications covered by the program.

South Carolina - This state recently closed enrollment to its ADAP program and now has a waiting list.  This list of talking points and factsheet was developed by the South Carolina HIV/AIDS Care Crisis Task Force.  Also, here are two articles on a recent protest and the ongoing struggle for funding.

California - In the state with the most notorious of budget crisies, Project Inform has a page on its website dedicated to the ADAP Crisis.

SEND US MORE EXAMPLES FROM YOUR STATE!

National Resources

National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors - NASTAD provides updated information on wait lists and cost containment measures across the country.  The most recent ADAP Watch report is here with updates here.

ADAP Advocacy Association –This group is offering a free virtual training to every state with an ADAP waiting list on how they can take advantage of pharmaceutical company prescription assistance programs. 

Fair Pricing Coalition - This group has a sign-on letter calling on pharmaceutical companies to provide ADAP relief.  Available on the HIV Research Catalyst Forum website.

Please send us an email and tell us what we're missing.