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.  In response, the state Legislature has included $10 million in funding in the 2006-07 state budget for the creation of prevention programs to address meth use among 5 high risk groups, including gay men and men who have sex with men.  It is now up to Governor Schwarzenegger to approve this budget appropriation.

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 ] ,

The abuse of methamphetamine has become a major epidemic in California and across the nation. Among the people hardest hit by this crisis are gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM). 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. 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 and many other men are losing jobs, housing and relationships as a result of their meth use.

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.

In order to address the meth issue, I am asking you to approve the $10 million allocation placed in the state?s 2006-2007 budget by the Legislature to fund meth prevention programs targeting 5 risk groups including gay men and other MSM.

You have shown great leadership on HIV/AIDS as Governor. I know the community will be very grateful for your assistance on this critical issue. Thank you for your consideration of my request

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
June 28, 2006