The extensive use of crystal methamphetamine (meth) among gay and other men who have sex with men (MSM) constitutes a grave health emergency that must be addressed with urgency at all levels of government.

• Meth use has also reached alarming levels among many populations in California but there is evidence that use is particularly high among gay and bisexual men.  Depending on where they live, it has been found that up to 10 to 20 percent of gay men in California are using meth.

• Gay men who use meth are up to 4 times more likely to become infected with HIV than non-users.

• It is estimated that up to one-half of the estimated 5,100 to 6,800 new HIV infections that occur annually among gay men and other MSM in California may be related to meth use. 

• Additionally, meth use leads to the deterioration of health for men who are already HIV positive and has resulted in the widespread loss of jobs, housing and relationships for many gay men.

A response is slowly emerging to this troubling and costly emergency.  However, current planning and resources for the sizeable response that is needed are completely inadequate.  A coalition of groups statewide has therefore made an urgent request to Governor Schwarzenegger and the State Legislature to include $7.5 million in additional funding in the 2006-07 state budget to address this issue in areas of the state where its use among gay and other MSM is highest.  Advocates have proposed that $3.75 million be used to fund treatment for those who are using meth and that $3.75 million fund efforts to prevent or reduce the use of meth in this population. 

Despite their concern about this obvious problem, state budget makers have expressed concern about creating new state program initiatives in the 2006-07 budget.  Your help is urgently needed to secure approval for this funding request!

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am deeply concerned about the grave damage that is being done to the gay male community and to other men who have sex with men (MSM) as a result of the extensive use of crystal methamphetamine in California. I am asking you to urge members of the Senate and Assembly Budget committees to support the request of leading HIV/AIDS organizations to include $7.5 million for meth treatment and prevention programs targeting gay and other MSM in the state's 2006-07 budget.

The use of methamphetamine (meth) has reached alarming levels among many different subpopulations of Californians, and a response to this larger problem is definitely needed. However, meth use appears to be particularly high among gay and other MSM. Data show that meth use is contributing to as many as half of the state's 5,100 to 6,800 new cases of HIV infection in this group each year.

Work is beginning in many counties to address this problem using existing resources, and clearly the counties need to do more. However, the responsibility to confront this public health emergency is shared by all levels of government and all levels of government will save on healthcare costs if they aggressively intervene in the problem as quickly as possible.

I know the community will be very grateful for your leadership on this issue, and I thank you for your consideration of my request.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
April 05, 2006