All Politics is Local

By: Brandon M. Macsata, CEO, ADAP Advocacy Association

Tip O'Neal

"All politics is local" is an infamous phrase coined by the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tip O'Neal. The same could be said about advocacy, especially when it comes to promoting access to timely care and treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS. All too often, local advocacy at the grassroots level is overshadowed by the lure of national organizations. Ironically, it was the same grassroots advocacy that shaped the very nature of the successful HIV/AIDS advocacy movement -- embodied in the "Denver Principles" a generation ago.

The ADAP Advocacy Association (aaa+^®) is committed to keeping the patient perspective at the center of its advocacy and educational activities, especially at the local level. After all, all HIV/AIDS organizations -- whether it is a advocacy organization, think tank, or service provider -- exist to promote greater patient health and wellness. 

So why not listen to what the patients have to say about their own health care, including their access to it?

In 2015, aaa+^® will host a series of regional summits designed to gather community input on the AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAPs). Community input at the local level is essential to improving access to care and treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS as the Affordable Care Act continues to be implemented across the nation.

The first regional summit is being held in Atlanta, Georgia on April 10th. It is being held in collaboration with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) and the Community Access National Network (CANN) -- two of the leading advocacy organizations committed to putting the patient first. To learn more about the ADAP Regional Summit in Atlanta, or to register for this important community event, go to http://adapadvocacyassociation.org/events.html.