AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) funding for FY2008

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On June 7, the House Labor, HHS, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee will be setting the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) funding for FY2008. The Congressman writing the bill is Appropriations Chairman David Obey (D-WI). The date for Senate Subcommittee action is likely late June or mid-July. It is important that this number be as high as possible, as it is difficult to increase the number in the full Appropriations Committee or on either the House or Senate floor. ADAPs need an increase of $232.9 million to ensure that all ADAPs around the country are able to provide a basic level of service to everyone who needs it.

In FY2007, for the first time in the program's history, ADAPs received no federal increase. Years of insufficient funding have created a crisis in the program, with many states having to restrict access to treatment through waiting lists and other measures.

Please continue to help us fight for increased ADAP funding by contacting your elected Representative and Senators and ask them to talk with Chairman Obey regarding the tremendous need for increased ADAP funding. Please take a few minutes to make these important phone calls!

How You Can Help:

Before June 7, call your U.S. Representative in their Washington, DC offices. Ask to speak to the staff person who handles HIV/AIDS and healthcare issues. Whether you speak to this person live or leave a message, tell them:

"My name is ____________ and I live in City/State. I am calling to urge Representative/Senator__________ regarding the need for full funding for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program. This program provides access to lifesaving treatment for people with HIV and AIDS who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford it. ADAPs need an increase of $232.9 million which will provide services to an additional 17,663 clients."

Talking Points on why ADAP Funding is so Critical:

• ADAPs serve the people living with HIV/AIDS most in need. 82% of ADAP clients are at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), including 55% at or below 100% FPL.

• CDC's testing initiative will find more people in need of care. It is necessary that states be able to provide immediate access to care and treatment to newly identified HIV-positive individuals. Not everyone who tests positive will need ADAP services, but many will.

• Three new promising antiretroviral medications will be available to help in the treatment of drug-resistance infection. ADAPs are very excited about the advent of two new medications, but adding them to the formularywill be costly for the programs.

• ADAPs have been seriously underfunded in past two years. In FY006 ADAPs received a $2.2 million increase and in FY2007 were flat-funded, with 31 states receiving a cut in their ADAP grant award. There needs to be an increased federal commitment to these programs.