Download March/April 2005 Issue of ActionLink

ActionLink
an interactive source for social change
March-April 2005/Issue 5
action for social change through public policy research, advocacy and community education
In This Issue
 Online with the ED
 Department Updates
 Public Policy Research &
Advocacy
 Community Education
 Volunteer Opportunities
 Current Activities
 News, Events &
Happenings
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about TAI
Current Issues
History & Programs
Become Involved
Support Our Work
Volunteer
Events
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Online with the ED
~ by Dr. Gene Copello, Executive Director, The AIDS Institute
As we continue our journey in 2005 we find ourselves very busy in the
world of AIDS policy and advocacy. The reauthorization of the Ryan
White CARE Act (RWCA) is an effort that both The AIDS Institute staff
and our colleagues in many other organizations continue to put much
energy into. The AIDS Institute released its RWCA reauthorization paper
this week, The Next Wave in AIDS Care: Reauthorization of the
Ryan White CARE Act 2005-2010. You can find more information on
the paper in this issue of ActionLink, as well as by clicking the link
above.
Likewise, the reauthorization of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
has become another arena for important AIDS policy and advocacy
work. But there is much more happening. In a few days the National
Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA) will launch this year's
AIDSWATCH in Washington, DC, bringing advocates from across the
nation to Congress. The AIDS Institute is honored to again be a
supporting sponsor of this important event. Much is also happening in
Global AIDS advocacy. This includes potentially helpful debt relief
recommendations for the world's poorest nations so their limited
resources can be used to ensure healthcare, including HIV/AIDS care,
clean water, and education.
All of these efforts and events are vehicles for the type of
meaningful social change that many of us seek in AIDS policy. That
change can't happen unless together – as individuals and collectively –
we all become agents of social change. That means helping out as we
each can in making the voices of the community heard before our
elected officials and other decision-makers. The old adage, "united we
stand", keeps coming to mind..........
Public Policy Research & Advocacy
Global News…
Global Program Development – In February, Dr. Gene Copello, TAI
executive director, and Drew McCarthy, director of Global Affairs, held a
series of meetings with government officials and business leaders in
Trinidad & Tobago to discuss issues related to the links between
HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean and the United States. Topics addressed
included prevention of transmission, stigma reduction and increasing
TAI’s HOT Link
(this issue’s website/page to
visit):
Know HIV/AIDS
theaidsinstitute.org
800 779 4898
access to treatment. Stay tuned for future developments...
Global Advocacy Issues – President Bush has chosen to nominate
Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz to replace retiring World Bank
President James Wolfensohn. The World Bank and its sister organization,
the International Monetary Fund (IMF), are two key sources of financial
assistance for developing countries. Historically, the head of the World
Bank has been an American and the head of the IMF has been a
European. Both have been crucial partners in the battle against
HIV/AIDS globally. Wolfowitz's nomination must still be approved by the
Board of the World Bank. Other names that had been floated as possible
successors to Wolfensohn were Christie Todd-Whitman, former EPA
Secretary; Carly Fiorina, former CEO of Hewlett-Packard; and Bono, U2
lead singer and global HIV advocate. Wolfensohn is retiring June 1,
2005.
Addressing the Spread of AIDS – The Microbicide Development Act,
S. 550, was introduced in the Senate on International Women's Day
(March 8). Eighteen Senators signed on as original co-sponsors. Efforts
are currently underway to introduce the legislation in the House.
Funding for Microbicide research is a key component in the global battle
to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.
For more information on Global efforts, please contact The AIDS
Institute’s Director of Global Affairs Drew McCarthy at 904-270-8648.
“True heroism is
remarkably sober, very
undramatic. It is not the
urge to surpass all others
at whatever cost, but the
urge to serve others, at
whatever cost.”
~Arthur Ashe
Join Our Grassroots
Advocacy Program!
National News…
The AIDS Institute Publishes Reauthorization Paper – In response
to the upcoming reauthorization of the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS
Resources Emergency (CARE) Act, The AIDS Institute has published The
Next Wave in AIDS Care: Reauthorization of the Ryan White
CARE Act 2005-2010 outlining our position on the reauthorization
process. For more information, contact TAI at 202-462-3042.
US Senate Protects Medicaid – In a stunning blow to the
Administration and the Republican leadership, the US Senate voted to
preserve Medicaid spending by passing an amendment on March 17th
that deletes the $14 billion in proposed cuts to Medicaid that were
included in the Senate Budget Resolution. The amendment was
championed by Senators Gordon Smith (R-OR) and Jeff Bingaman (DNM).
In a 52-48 vote, the Senate passed the amendment, with 7 Republicans
voting for it, which not only maintains funding for Medicaid, but also sets
up a framework for establishing a bi-partisan commission to examine
the existing Medicaid system. Senators Smith and Bingaman introduced
“The Bipartisan Commission on Medicaid and Medically Underserved Act
of 2005” earlier this year so that an orderly and careful review of the
health care program for over 50 million low-income and disabled
Americans could occur rather than slashing it only for the purpose of
cutting the budget.
“This victory,” stated Dr. Gene Copello, executive director of The AIDS
Institute, “was a result of the leadership of a bi-partisan effort of
Senators who share a commitment and compassion for America's most
vulnerable citizens. They were joined by many Governors and advocates
Meet the TAI Team
Jamie Alfaro, Public Policy
Associate, 202-462-3042
Dr. Gene Copello, Executive
Director, 813-974-2598
Jesse Fry, Director of
Government Affairs and
Advocacy, 850-222-9580
Mary Ann T. Green, Director of
Communications, 813-974-4892
Drew McCarthy, Director of
Global Affairs, 904-270-8648
Jeanne Piard, Research
Associate, 813-974-2838
Dr. F. Bridgett Rahim-Williams,
Director of Research, 813-9742838
Denise Ruppal, Director of
Finance and Administration, 813974-4873
Michael Ruppal, Associate
Executive Director, 813-974-3454
Michelle Scavnicky, Director of
Community Education, 813-9747958
Carl Schmid, Director of Federal
Affairs, 202-299-9430
James Sykes, Community
Educator, 813-974-5592
Frederick Wright, Global
Advocacy Coordinator, 813-9746683
The AIDS Institute is a
national nonprofit
organization affiliated
with the
Division of Infectious
Diseases and Tropical
Medicine, University of
South Florida.
from around the country, including many from the HIV/AIDS
community.” He continued, “We hope the House will join with the Senate
in making sure that Medicaid reform is guided by a careful review, rather
than indiscriminate budget decisions.”
Medicaid is the largest source of federal care financing for low income
persons living with HIV/AIDS, providing access to healthcare for 55% of
all persons living with AIDS, including 90% of all children living with
AIDS. President Bush, as part of his budget, called for $45 billion in
Medicaid savings over the next ten years. The Senate was advocating
$14 billion in cuts over five years, while the House Budget Resolution
contains almost $20 million in cuts over five years.
Explained TAI Director of Federal Affairs Carl Schmid, “The US Senate,
under the leadership of Senators Smith and Bingaman, helped protect
the healthcare of our nation's most vulnerable people, including
thousands of people living with HIV/AIDS. The AIDS Institute was
pleased to have worked closely early on with the Senators when they
were drafting their Medicaid Commission legislation as a way to protect
against indiscriminate Medicaid cuts. We are pleased that their strategy
was successful, but know we are far from ensuring that there will be no
Medicaid cuts this year.”
The House and Senate now must attempt to reach an agreement on the
two differing Budget Resolutions.
The AIDS Institute Provides Comments To Medicare Education
Advisory Panel – The AIDS Institute provided public comment to the
Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services Advisory Panel on Medicare
Education, which met in Washington, DC, on March 22. TAI Director of
Federal Affairs Carl Schmid asked the Panel to support specific education
and outreach activities directed to Medicare beneficiaries who are living
with HIV/AIDS. This outreach is particularly needed for those
beneficiaries who are dual eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare, who
will lose their Medicaid drug benefit on January 1, 2006, and will have to
depend on a new, and still unknown, Medicare drug benefit.
It is estimated that there are 60,000 people with HIV/AIDS who are
dually eligible, and another 20,000 -30,000 with HIV/AIDS who receive
Medicare, and will be eligible for the new drug benefit.
In our comments, TAI expressed concerns that those with HIV/AIDS,
particularly the dual eligibles, will not have the full access to their
medications when the Medicare drug benefit begins, due to either not
enrolling in time or being enrolled in a prescription drug plan that does
not cover all their medications.
That is why TAI believes an education and outreach campaign targeted
to dual eligibles and Medicare beneficiaries with HIV/AIDS is needed to
educate them on the drug benefit and the specific plans in their area,
and offer assistance to them in enrolling in a plan that best meets their
medical needs. Additionally, once enrolled in a plan, beneficiaries must
be monitored and assistance offered in the event they need to switch
plans.
TAI has led a coalition effort within the HIV/AIDS community to work
with HHS officials in urging them to initiate such an outreach program.
Board Bio…
This month we meet TAI
Board Member Robin
Kurtzman, Tampa,
Florida.
Robin works in design and
marketing, heading up her
own company, Production
Partners, Inc.
She has served on the Board
of Directors of The AIDS
Institute for several years and
has assisted greatly in
coordinating many of the
agency’s events, including An
Evening in Asia and Florida
AIDS Walk.
Robin also designed the
agency’s current logo,
brochure and collateral
materials.
As a businesswoman, her
dedication to the cause dates
back to the loss of a very
close friend to AIDS many
years ago. Robin volunteers on
the Board and in many other
areas in memory of her loss.
For more information on The AIDS Institute’s federal policy efforts,
please contact Director of Federal Affairs Carl Schmid 202-462-3042.
Florida Update…
Advocacy Works: Medically Needy Restored – After weeks of
intense advocacy efforts, TAI’s Director of Government Affairs and
Advocacy Jesse Fry is pleased to announce the restoration of funds to
Florida’s Medically Needy Program.
The program, which provides services to some 36,000 Floridians who
don’t fall within the traditional Medicaid income requirements but still
suffer from catastrophic medical costs, was slated for significant cuts as
part of Florida Governor Jeb Bush’s original state budget.
In fact, Bush’s original budget proposal completely eliminated both
doctor visits and hospital stays. But, intense advocacy efforts, combined
with a projected $695.7 million supplemental budget, helped save the
program.
“Our messages were succinct and easily utilized by decision makers,”
notes Fry. “Because the advocacy community made its voice heard,
Medically Needy got the Governor’s attention and focus. That kind of
success proves that advocacy works and is a vital component in shaping
good public policy.” He concludes, “We applaud Governor Bush for
restoring this vital program.”
For more information on Florida policy issues, please contact Jesse Fry
at 850-656-2437, ext. 300.
Public Policy Research…
The Center for Public Policy Research is working with the Department of
Community Education on several Safe Access Community Forums being
held throughout the state of Florida. Included in this project is gathering
data on safe access and harm reduction and incorporating this into a
PowerPoint presentation.
“Be not afraid of
greatness: some are born
great, some achieve
greatness, and some have
greatness thrust upon
them.”
~ William Shakespeare
For more information on this program and other TAI research, please
contact Bridgett Rahim-Williams or Jeanne Piard at 813-974-2838.
Community Education
The Department of Community Education has been actively working on a
variety of meetings.
The Pfizer Foundation Southern HIV/AIDS Prevention Initiative is in full
swing with technical assistance sessions being held on March 15, 2005,
and March 22, 2005. The topic for March’s session was Agency and
Social Marketing.
Additionally, TAI’s Safe Access Program held the third in a series of
scheduled community forums around the state of Florida. The first
Forum was held in Tallahassee on February 3, 2005; the second in
ActionLink
Editor:
Mary Ann T. Green
[email protected]
813-974-4892
Contributors:
Dr. Gene Copello
Jesse Fry
Jacksonville in conjunction with the AIDS Summit on February 17, 2005;
and the third took place in Tampa on March 29, 2005. This schedule will
continue through July with Safe Access Forums being held in Orlando,
Jacksonville, Fort Myers, West Palm Beach and Miami.
Also during the months of March and April, department staff coordinated
several meetings for the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of
HIV/AIDS, including a workshop for the Bureau’s Surveillance Unit, the
Patient Care Planning Group Meeting, and the Prevention Planning Group
Meeting.
For more information on TAI’s Community Education efforts, please
contact Michelle Scavnicky or James Sykes at 813-974-7958, or 813974-5592.
Jeanne Piard
Give the Gift of Your Time & Talents Volunteer!
Michael Ruppal
Join in the excitement – volunteer with The AIDS Institute:
Michelle Scavnicky
Advocacy – participate in our email-based Action Alert Broadcast;
network with community leaders; make urgently needed phone calls;
send faxes or emails to elected officials and more!
Drew McCarthy
Carl Schmid
Subscribe to
ActionLink Now!
Community Education – create packets for various meetings and
forums; staff educational booths at health fairs and events; assist with
the development of TAI’s referral system; plan volunteer orientations &
training programs; and participate in, as well as maintain, our speakers
bureau.
Events – learn about our next special event and see how you can assist
us in raising HIV/AIDS awareness and funds!
For ActionLink
sponsorship opportunities,
please call 813-974-4892,
or email:
[email protected]
For more information about volunteer opportunities with The AIDS
Institute, please contact TAI by phone at 813-974-2598.
Current Activities
Cruising with TAI - SPACE IS LIMITED – send in your deposit
today to enjoy a 7-day West Caribbean Cruise May 22–29, 2005. Ports
of call include: Georgetown, Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Mexico; and
Belize City, Belize.
Rates* for this exotic excursion are:
Inside $699/person (with taxes & contribution: $791.90/person)
Ocean view $849/person (with taxes & contribution: $941.90/person)
Balcony $999/person (with taxes & contribution: $1091.90/person)
* Prices per person based on double occupancy and include port
charges.
The AIDS Institute
action for social change
800 779 4898
Reserve your cabin today: call 1-800-237-4070 or email
[email protected]. Please be sure to mention that you
want to participate in The AIDS Institute’s cruise!
News, Events & Happenings
NEWS FLASH…
For more information, visit
us online at
theaidsinstitute.org
HIV Therapy Breakthrough – According to an article distributed by
Agence France Presse, “Australian researchers discovered a way to
significantly boost the body's immune system to fight HIV and other
deadly viruses…”
The discoveries were made at two Australian universities while the
scientists were working on a test to determine how well some animals’
immune systems could combat HIV.
A researcher from the University of Melbourne noted that blood cells
extracted from laboratory animals and coated with HIV peptide markers,
(which lets the immune system know that it has been infected by the
virus) and then injected back into the animals had resulted in a
significant immune response.
Noted the researcher, “When we analysed HIV-specific immunity in the
weeks following ... a marked enhancement of virus-specific immunity
was induced.” For the complete story click here.
TAI Welcomes Dr. Bridgett Rahim-Williams – The AIDS Institute is
pleased to welcome Dr. F. Bridgett Rahim-Williams as the agency’s
Director of Research. Rahim-Williams will direct TAI’s public policy
research efforts and assist with coordinating interdisciplinary activities
associated with the Center for Public Policy Research and Ethics. She
holds a doctoral degree in anthropology and masters degrees in public
health and communications. Please join us in welcoming Bridgett to the
team!