Help stop the scourge of HIV This Action, on Change.org, the url Scourge of HIV http://genocide.change.org/actions/view/scourge_of_hiv Action Alert: Help Protect the Lives of Americans with HIV/AIDS Dear Friends, Health care reform is moving quickly through Congress, and while reform is important, provisions are at risk that would protect people living with HIV/AIDS as well as those most vulnerable to contracting the virus. Opponents are citing high costs, but 50% of people living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S. do not have regular health care and their lives could be at stake. Please help advocate in support of key components of the legislation that protect people living with HIV and AIDS. Here’s how you can help: Call both your U.S. Senators in their Washington, D.C. office. Ask to speak to the staff person who handles HIV and health care issues. You might get their voicemail or you might speak to them in person. Either way, tell them: "My name is ____________ and I live in (city/state). I am very concerned that health care reform will not meet the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS. I ask that any final health care legislation eliminate the disability requirement for Medicaid and ensure that all low-income people, including childless adults, have early access to care. I ask that it also include language from the Early Treatment for HIV Act which expands access to Medicaid for people living with HIV. Finally, I ask that it have a public plan option to best ensure affordable access to comprehensive care for people with HIV. All three provisions are crucial to ensure that people with HIV/AIDS have early access to the care and treatment that can keep them healthy and productive. I urge Senator ______________ to do everything in his/her power to fight for these important provisions." You can reach your Senators by calling the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121. If you don't know who your Senators are, go to www.congress.org and enter your zip code in the upper right corner. Phone calls are particularly effective right now because Congress is moving quickly. However, if you prefer to send an email, go to your Senator's website (linked from www.senate.gov). You will find instructions on sending emails to that office. Cut and paste the phone message, make sure your name and the Senator's name are included and add a short personal note explaining why this issue is important to you. The move to reform health care in the United States must ensure that everyone living with HIV benefits from early and reliable access to lifesaving care and treatment. Coordinated action by our entire community is needed to make sure Congress knows how important these three core provisions are for all of us. Thanks for taking action! ANSA Team P.S. Please check out our new website at www.ansafrica.org! Artists for a New South Africa 2999 Overland Avenue, Suite 102 Los Angeles, California 90064 United States phone 310.204.1748 fax 310.204.4277 info@ansafrica.org | www.ansafrica.org YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/ArtistsNewSAfrica