What’s up with the state budget, and what’s it mean for HIV services?
(Updated 6/21/10)
Yes, we have a state budget. Well, sort of. Actually, it’s kinda complicated.
Let’s break it down.
The General Assembly passed on May 25 a state budget. However, this budget is deeply flawed. It doesn’t address the state’s nearly $6 billion in unpaid bills, relies too heavily on one-time revenue, and jeopardizes services for all Illinoisans. Most importantly, legislators failed to pass new revenue, the only sustainable solution to the state’s budget problems.
Angry about the ADAP crisis? It’s time to let DC know.
Despite our best efforts, our leaders in Washington are still dragging their feet. They have failed to respond to the skyrocketing number of people who are waiting for their HIV/AIDS meds. The time has come to show our leaders the human face of the ADAP crisis.
Join us on Thursday, June 10 at 1 p.m. ET for a free online training on how to set up and carry out a meeting with your member of Congress right in your own home state.
Go here to register OR email jmerrell@aidschicago.org for full details.
Download our new ADAP Crisis Factsheet (PDF).
View presentation slides from the ADAP In-District Meeting Training.
The domestic AIDS advocacy community has had all hands on deck in response to the unfolding ADAP crisis. We’ve all been hard at work making phone calls, sending emails, and visiting local, state, and federal officials to get our message across: ADAP is not optional. Wait lists are unacceptable. People living with HIV/AIDS demand access to the medications that keep them alive, healthy, and productive.
If you’ve already called, clicked, and rallied but are hungry for more action – there are still more ways to get involved. Here’s how:
It's up to you, Governor Quinn
This week, the Illinois General Assembly sent Governor Pat Quinn a state budget bill (HB 859) that gives him unprecedented ability to fund - or not fund - state programs in fiscal year 2011. The ball is in the governor's court.
HB 859 gives Governor Quinn sole authority to allocate funding to lifesaving HIV programs such as the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), HIV prevention programs, and housing and care services. Though the Governor will have large pots of funding to allocate among various priorities, it is painfully clear that the need far outpaces available funding.
On May 21, a state public health advisory panel recommended that Illinois immediately institute a waiting list for ADAP because available funding was insufficient to maintain the program in the face of extraordinary growth. HIV advocates, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC), and legislative allies urge Quinn to provide $9.68 million in additional funding to maintain ADAP, as well as $7.4 million to restore previous cuts to HIV prevention, housing, and care programs.
Windy City Times: Panel votes for ADAP waiting list
Windy City Times covers the May 21 recommendation that Illinois institute a waiting list for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program:
"A state advisory panel took a huge step May 21 in the financial battle for more than 4,000 low-income Illinois residents with HIV/AIDS.
"The panel voted to urge Illinois to immediately close the AIDS Drug Assistance Program ( ADAP ) to new applicants and begin a waiting list. The recommendation is now under review by state officials.
"Because the program is deeply underfunded, Illinois must take immediate steps to preserve services for those who rely on ADAP for their lifesaving care," said David Ernesto Munar, vice president of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago ( AFC ) and a member of the ADAP Medical Issues Advisory Board, which made the recommendation. "The program faces total fiscal collapse unless immediate actions are taken."
Triple Jeopardy: Sexual Violence, HIV/AIDS and Females
This one day conference will explore current research needed to understand how sexual violence and HIV areas overlap. The conference offers the opportunity to network, build skills, and develop action plans. It reminds us to defeat HIV/AIDS through unity, understanding, passion and leadership.
Violence and the fear of violence are contributing to HIV vulnerability among women in the Chicago area. This conference will explore the interplay between these factors and outcomes for women’s holistic health and wellness. Sessions will highlight recent research, prevention and treatment programs appropriate for survivors and women at risk. This event will bring together researchers, activists, policy makers and service providers working in the areas of violence and HIV.
REGISTER HERE
Stop an ADAP Wait List in Illinois
Facing an historic budget crisis that could destabilize HIV treatment access for more than 4,000 low-income Illinoisans with HIV/AIDS, a state advisory panel voted on May 21 to urge Illinois to immediately close the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) to new applicants and begin a waiting list. The recommendation is now under review by state officials.
“Because the program is deeply underfunded, Illinois must take immediate steps to preserve services for those who rely on ADAP for their life-saving care,” said David Ernesto Munar, vice president of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC), and a member of the ADAP Medical Issues Advisory Board, which made the recommendation. “The program faces total fiscal collapse unless immediate actions are taken.”
TAKE ACTION NOW!
AIDS Awareness Mural to be Dedicated on Saturday
In honor of National HIV Vaccine Awareness Day (May 18), artists, residents, business owners and politicians will gather for a ceremony to dedicate a 15 x 30 feet community mural entitled “Austin is Doing Something (A.I.D.S.)” designed by Carla Carr. The mural was inspired by With Me Comes A Cure, an awareness campaign of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) designed primarily to address the growing HIV epidemic among African Americans and stress the importance of developing an AIDS vaccine.
Read more at ChicagoTribune.com: “Austin mural sends message”
HIV/AIDS advocacy groups fear loss of funding to programs
via the State Journal-Register
Since being diagnosed with HIV 12 years ago, Chicago resident Arick Buckles has relied on medication from the state’s AIDS Drug Assistance Program to keep him healthy.
ADAP provides low-income people suffering from the disease with access to essential medications. The program, which is run by the Illinois Department of Public Health, serves more than 4,000 people each month.
Buckles, who lost his job as a peer counselor in late March, said he needs the program now more than ever. But Illinois’ budget woes have forced organizations such as ADAP to cut back their services for people suffering with HIV/AIDS.
Sneak Peek: From Product to Promise - Advancing Rectal Microbicide Research and Advocacy
International Rectal Microbicide Advocates (IRMA) will officially release its third landmark report– “From Promise to Product: Advancing Rectal Microbicide Research and Advocacy” – at the 2010 International Microbicides Conference in Pittsburgh, PA taking place May 22 – 25, 2010. The ambitious, comprehensive document reports on the growing scientific activity in the rectal microbicide field, capturing the optimism among researchers and advocates alike as the field sets its sights on the development of safe and effective rectal-specific products that will provide protection against HIV during anal intercourse.
Additionally, IRMA continues to call for a Global Rectal Microbicide Development plan by which stakeholders can coordinate efforts across the full range of scientific activities, developing strategies and setting priorities. Such a plan does not yet exist.
Earl "Peacock" Battles, Committed Until the End
The AIDS Foundation of Chicago joins the rest of the HIV/AIDS community in mourning the loss of a tireless, deeply committed AIDS advocate: the much loved Earl “Peacock” Battles died unexpectedly on May 19, 2010.
Peacock was ever-present, engaged in numerous advocacy and outreach groups in the LGBT and HIV communities. Earl always showed up in body and spirit – you could count on him to be present and engaged at all manner of community forums and activities. He will especially be missed for his extensive work with Chicago’s HIV Planning Council and his dedication to Brothers United, an organization that provides HIV prevention, outreach and education to gay and bisexual men of color. Among other activities, Earl was also a long-standing member of Center on Halsted’s SAGE group and the Test Positive Aware Network’s Ease and Empower program.
Memorial information will be released as it becomes available.
