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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 Link-up to Learn More about TAI Current Issues History & Programs Become Involved Support Our Work Volunteer Events KEEP ADVOCACY ALIVE – DONATE TODAY! 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!