A suggestion for those with anger WRT Reagan/AIDS....

[Liberal Veteran]

I hear a lot of anger about the issue, but that anger is impotent without action TODAY!

We can't turn back the clock and undo the damage done by the lack of leadership from the Oval Office in the 80's, but right this second, nearly every every AIDS service organization and program to provide medications and services to HIV is in the midst of dramatic cutbacks and waiting lists.

Having to be on a waiting list to get HIV medications is an ABOMINATION!

Federal funding for ADAPs in FY2002 and FY2003 has been insufficient to meet the needs of those eligible and has led to ADAP access restrictions. Fifteen ADAPs have closed enrollment to new clients or limited access to antiretrovirals (ARVs) and other treatments. Three states anticipate the need to implement program restrictions during FY2003 which ends March 31, 2004. Seven states anticipate the need to implement program restrictions during FY2004.

Across the U.S., 791 people were wait listed, awaiting enrollment into ADAP programs and access to life sustaining drugs. The ADAP Watch lists states that have implemented program restrictions since April 1, 2002.

ADAPs with waiting lists and/or access restrictions as of January 2004:

* Alabama: capped enrollment, 247 on waiting list
* Alaska: capped enrollment, 4 on waiting list
* Arkansas: capped enrollment
* Colorado: capped enrollment and reduced formulary, 190 on waiting list Idaho: capped enrollment, monthly expenditure cap, 3 on wait list
* Indiana: capped enrollment
* Kentucky: capped enrollment, 140 on waiting list
* Montana: capped enrollment, 4 on waiting list
* North Carolina: capped enrollment, 126 on waiting list
* Oklahoma: reduced formulary, annual expenditure cap, 38 individuals have reached their expenditure cap
* Oregon: reduced formulary, lowered financial eligibility, imposed cost-sharing
* South Dakota: capped enrollment, 49 on waiting list
* Washington: lowered financial eligibility criteria, reduced formulary, imposed cost-sharing
* West Virginia: capped enrollment, 28 on waiting list
* Wyoming: reduced formulary, lowered financial eligibility

ADAPs anticipating new/additional restrictions in FY2004:

* Alabama
* Montana
* New Hampshire
* New Mexico
* Oklahoma
* South Carolina
* Texas

This is not over and we have a joke of a president in office now who cares more for the profits of the shareholders of pharmaceutical companies than those who need medications just to survive.

Don't just be angry. Call your representatives and demand that programs be funded so those who need life-extending medications and services can get them.

It appalls me when there are people in the US going without medication while the moron in chief makes lofty promises of BILLIONS of US TAX dollars to fund programs overseas.

We have the money to do both (although apparently killing Iraqis and providing them with health care takes precedence in this administration's eyes), but there is no excuse for people having to wait to get assistance with medications that are so costly that only a few people could afford to pay for them out of pocket.

I've been seeing a lot of anger over what Reagan didn't do with regard to AIDS, but let's not forget....this crisis isn't over. Your anger and outrage on behalf of those who have been infected and affected by HIV is meaningless if not used constructively.

[Liberal Veteran]

1. Well, that dropped like a rock.

bump

[Kanary]

5. Unfortunately, yes...... anything pertaining to action here drops

like the proverbial stone.

"Action" is lesson # 1 to be learned.

In many issues.

Kanary

[JCMach1]

2. Not just for AIDS... similar programs have been cut

for many critically needy people.

But yes, the disease is still stigmatized and something must be done.

Note, I don't think ANYTHING will happen as long as the Repugs control congress... regardless of who is Prez.

[Malikshah]

3. Alas, it will continue to drop

With barebacking on the rise, bughunters with self-destructive tendencies--

With folks who still view pills as the answer

It will drop.

This is coming from someone who's partnered in a POS/NEG relationship. We consider ourselves lucky to have found each other. It is fascinating how folks will ignore this issue.

[Liberal Veteran]

4. That's a matter of education that needs to be addressed badly.

Anyone who thinks having HIV is fun or the answer is just medications is in dire need of education.

You are talking to someone who has been on meds for 4.5 years and it's not a joke when you are constantly watching the clock and juggling insurance plans.

I haven't had the joy of just sleeping in for all that time. Not once do I get to take a day off.

Every 3-4 months I have to go to the doctor and be prodded and felt-up to see and tube after tube of blood drawn. Then it's a couple of weeks of nerves praying that my viral load is still undetectable and I don't have to switch medications or that my t-cells don't drop below the threshold for needing prophylaxis to prevent opportunistic infections.

And every cough, rash, spot, cold, fever, stomach ache is followed with a question mark of whether it's something simple or something to fear.

Education is the key, but the point I was making is that impotent rage at the inaction of the past is not constructive.

[hughee99]

6. I do agree that we need to

spend more money on AIDS education, but I think we also need to spend more on heart disease and cancer as well. On another thread, many people know those who were affected by AIDS, but other diseases currently kill far more people, and can not be reduced as much by education. There are things you can do (or not do) that will greatly reduce your chance of getting AIDS, just as there are things you can do (or not do) to reduce your chances of Cancer, Heart Disease and Diabetes, but I do not think education in these areas would be nearly as effective as AIDS education, so we need to spend more on preventative medicine and treatment which is usually far more expensive than education (thanks to the drug companies).

[Malikshah]

7. I totally agree

My partner was up front with me when we met. I made the conscious decision to pursue the relationship, having been educated on the issues. Some will look askance at my decision, but love knows no boundaries.

Education is key--ignorance is destructive.