D.A.P. urges continued movement toward national AIDS strategy

(PALM SPRINGS, CA – March 4, 2010)

In the wake of more than $80 million in cuts to HIV/AIDS programs and services statewide, Desert AIDS Project breathed a sigh of relief when the federal Ryan White CARE Act was recently reauthorized for four more years. But they remain concerned that finalizing the first-ever National AIDS Strategy may not delve deeply enough into problems like the continuing prospect of a nationwide ADAP (AIDS Drugs Assistance Program) funding shortfall.

One of the first commitments the Obama administration made was to develop and implement a National AIDS Strategy, addressing three major goals: 1) reduce the number of new HIV infections, 2) increase access to care for people living with HIV and optimize health outcome, and 3) reduce HIV-related disparities. .

“Almost 30 years into the AIDS epidemic, our government has yet to adopt a coordinated national response, even though the U.S. is among the hardest hit by the HIV epidemic in the industrialized world,” said David Brinkman, D.A.P. Executive Director. “D.A.P. and other AIDS service organizations have a wealth of information about care, prevention, and advocacy for those affected by or at-risk for HIV and AIDS. In D.A.P.’s case, our knowledge comes from 25 years of service. Even so, we have not yet been drawn into the formulation of this National AIDS Strategy.”

That’s why D.A.P. has joined hundreds of other organizations and individuals in drafting and endorsing care and treatment recommendations that they have asked to be included in the development of the National AIDS Strategy. (To view the recommendations, go to www.nationalaidsstrategy.org and click on the link for “recommendations.”)

HIV education and prevention is a particular concern in D.A.P.’s vast 27,000 square mile service area, where the average rate of infection is several hundred percent that of the national average. Consequently, D.A.P. remains committed to maintaining free and confidential HIV testing, even though the current California state budget removed the funding that made that possible.

“Our recent 16th annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards reminded us of just how lucky we are to offer our services in a community that supports us with such inspirational generosity of not only money but volunteer time and talents,” added Brinkman. “Their efforts have helped us serve thousands of clients for the last quarter-century and to bring into care another 450 new patients last year.”

D.A.P. invites everyone to join their efforts in making sure that the first-ever National AIDS Strategy meets the highest possible standards. They can make their opinions heard at the White House Office of National AIDS Policy by visiting www.whitehouse.gov and searching the site by “ONAP.”

Desert AIDS Project is the organization in our community where people living with HIV and AIDS can receive comprehensive support, including medical care, case management, and social services. D.A.P. also offers free and confidential HIV testing at a number of locations throughout the communities it serves. For more information call 760-323-2118.