In the news ... 2007

PI ACTION ALERT:
You Can Help Get More Money For Ryan White Program!
Key House Vote Scheduled for Thursday

May 24, 2007

The Ryan White Program (formally known as the Ryan White CARE Act) pays for primary care, treatment, and support services for hundreds of thousands of people with HIV/AIDS. It has been underfunded for the past several years, causing cuts in services, the closure of entire agencies, and long waits for care and treatment services.

People continue to be on AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) waiting lists in several states. In addition, the recently passed Ryan White reauthorization bill has put new pressures on states and cities, creating the need for more money. For example, there are 5 new cities eligible for Part A (Title I) funding and states are now required to have a minimum list of drug classes available on their ADAP formularies.

This Thursday, June 7th, a key Subcommittee of the House of Representatives will "mark up" the Fiscal Year 2008 Labor-Health and Human Services spending bill. This means they will vote on next year's funding levels for health programs, including Ryan White.

You can make a difference by asking your House Representative to support full funding for Ryan White!

How you can help:
The vote is scheduled for Thursday, June 7th. Before then, call your U.S. House Representative in his/her DC office. Ask to speak to the staffperson who handles HIV and health care issues. Whether you speak to this person live or leave a message, tell him/her:

"My name is ____________ and I live in City/State. I urge Representative _______________to support increased funding for all parts of the Ryan White Program. The program can't support all those who qualify for services and people are going without essential HIV care. These increases are badly needed to help make sure low-income people with HIV/AIDS can remain healthy and productive. Please convey your support for increased Ryan White funding to members of the House Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcomittee."

If you have time in your conversation, please give the specific funding requests determined by the HIV/AIDS community for each Part of the Ryan White Program (listed below). Or, ask for the staffperson's e-mail address and send the information in a follow-up e-mail.

Part A (Title I): $236.4 million increase
Part B (Title II)/Base: $57.4 million increase
Part B (Title II)/AIDS Drug Assistance Program: $232.9 million increase
Part C (Title III): $87.8 million increase
Part D (Title IV): $46.4 million increase
Part F/AIDS Education and Training Centers: $15.3 million increase
Part F/Dental: $5.9 million increase

You can call your Representative toll-free at 1-800-614-2803. You will get the Capitol switchboard. Ask to be connected to your Representative's office. Thank you for taking the time to make a difference!