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Ask Your Senators to Support Adequate Funding for CARE Act Programs as well as HOPWA
On Tuesday, July 18, the U.S. Senate will start voting on funding levels for Ryan White CARE Act services and the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA) for the 2007 fiscal year.
The CARE Act funds care, treatment, and support services for hundreds of thousands of people with HIV/AIDS across the country. As of today, the CARE Act, including the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), is not expected to receive any funding increase for 2007 (for details, see “what’s at stake?”)
The HOPWA Program, established by HUD, provides a national safety net of housing and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS and their families. HOPWA funding is also in danger of funding reductions due to the tight budget environment resulting from spending on terrorism and operations in Iraq, and efforts by Republicans in Congress to cut health and human services programs (for details, see “what’s at stake?”)
Our Senators need to hear our voices loud and clear. We have suffered long enough without adequate HIV care, treatment, and support services for all who need them!
How can you help?
Please call or write to your two U.S. Senators before Tuesday, July 18. The Capitol switchboard number is 202-224-3121. (If you do not know who your Senators are, visit http://www.senate.gov/) Ask to speak to the staff person who handles HIV and health care issues. You might get their voicemail or you might be able to talk to them. Either way, tell them:
"My name is ______________ and I live in (your state). I urge Senator ____________ to support badly needed increased funding for the Ryan White CARE Act, including the AIDS Drug Assistance Program, which pays for care and treatment services for people with HIV/AIDS. The CARE Act has been under-funded for the past several years and there are long waits for health care and to access lifesaving drugs. I would like the Senator to tell members of the Appropriations Committee that he/she supports adequate funding for the Ryan White CARE Act.
I am also asking you to support funding of $424 million for the HOPWA program – an increase of $135 million. This increase is needed to reduce waiting lists for HOPWA funded housing; develop new housing for poor individuals with HIV/AIDS and their families; provide rental assistance; establish strategic housing plans; ensure that thousands of low-income people living with HIV/AIDS displaced by Hurricane Katrina receive vital housing assistance; and make a minimal level of supportive services available to keep people in their housing and fill gaps in comprehensive care available through other sources.”
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: Support Adequate Funding for CARE Act Programs as well as HOPWA
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
The Ryan White CARE Act, including the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), which pays for care and treatment services for people with HIV/AIDS, is badly in need of increased funding. The CARE Act has been under-funded for the past several years and there are long waits for health care and to access life saving drugs. I am asking you to tell members of the Appropriations Committee that you support adequate funding for the Ryan White CARE Act.
I am also asking you to support funding of $424 million for the HOPWA program - an increase of $135 million. This increase is needed to reduce waiting lists for HOPWA funded housing; develop new housing for poor individuals with HIV/AIDS and their families; provide rental assistance; establish strategic housing plans; ensure that thousands of low-income people living HIV/AIDS displaced by Hurricane Katrina receive vital housing assistance; and make a minimal level of supportive services available to keep people in their housing and fill gaps in comprehensive care available through other sources.
I urge your support for these important programs for people living with HIV/AIDS. Thank you for your consideration of my request.
Sincerely,
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