Is Hepatitis C treatment covered by your states ADAP program; and some facts on Acute Hep C

The AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) provides HIV/AIDS related prescription drugs to uninsured and underinsured individuals living with HIV/AIDS and in a handful of states provides Hepatitis C treatment which consists of interferon-based treatment and Ribavirin.

ADAP funds are used to provide medications to treat HIV disease, or to prevent the serious deterioration of health, including measures for the prevention and treatment of opportunistic infections. As a payer of last resort, ADAP only serves individuals who have neither public nor private insurance or cannot get all of their medication needs met through their insurance payer. In order to qualify you must prove an HIV/AIDS diagnosis and be below your states income cap to receive this insurance.

AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAPs) are authorized under Title II of the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act of 1990 (reauthorized in 2009). ADAPs are not entitlement programs but are dependent on federal and state discretionary funding, which determines how many clients ADAPs can serve and what levels of service states can provide.

When learning of my co-infection of HIV/HCV I did a lot of research online. How was I going to pay for this treatment, and if I could not afford the medicine, how was I going to get the medicine I needed to stay alive and to stave off a chronic Hepatitis C infection.

During my Hepatitis C treatment I was fortunate to have private insurance which paid for my treatment, but what if I did not have private insurance, or private insurance that did not cover Hepatitis C treatment. Hepatitis C is emerging as a pandemic in cities across the country for those infected with HIV/AIDS, and though most commonly found in people who share needles.. An estimated one-third of people with HIV are also infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is now regarded as a sexually transmitted infection among HIV positive gay and bisexual men. (CROI 2011)

Coinfected individuals tend to experience more rapid liver disease progression than those with HCV alone, and they do not respond as well to interferon-based treatment for chronic hepatitis C. But starting hepatitis C therapy early, during acute infection, can lead to better outcomes. Acute HCV infection is often asymptomatic, but HIV positive men have a better chance of detecting HCV early because they undergo regular liver function monitoring that can reveal HCV-related abnormalities.

These liver function tests can be shown on your lab work as AST and ALT. A spike in these numbers, or an abnormal reading should prompt your doctor to look into a possible Hepatitis C diagnosis.

About 65% of confected patients with HCV genotypes 1 or 4, and 81% with genotypes 2 or 3, achieved sustained response to interferon-based therapy started during acute infection, researchers reported at CROI 2011.

If you have HIV AND Hepatitis C and wondering if your states ADAP covers Hep C treatment I have done the research for you.

Below you will find a list of states that do and do not provide Hepatitis C treatment.


All states ADAP funding including the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico cover HIV medications. ****


The follow states do cover Hepatitis C treatment

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

California

Connecticut

Delaware

District of Columbia

Hawaii

Iowa

Maryland

Michigan

Mississippi

New Jersey

New York

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Puerto Rico

Utah

Virginia

Washington

The following states do not cover Hepatitis C medication

Arkansas

Colorado

Florida

Georgia

Idaho

Indiana

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Minnesota

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Mexico

North Carolina

North Dakota

Oklahoma

Ohio

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Vermont

Virgin Islands (US)

West Virginia

The following states cover only interferon but not Ribavirin

Illinois

Maine

The following states cover Ribavirin and NOT interferon

Rhode Island

****disclaimer**** (updated as of 7/27)

With the current crisis in funding of ADAP programs Nationally; I would advise that you google your states ADAP program and contact information for that program. States are placing people on waitlists to obtain these medications, and are also reducing formularies.

MyGov365...Self-Advocacy in Motion!

Earlier this month a groundbreaking partnership was forged between the ADAP Advocacy Association (aaa+) and MyGov365 designed to better engage people living with HIV/AIDS in the legislative process at the federal, state and local levels. Constituents (a.k.a., voters) often make things happen because lawmakers benefit from their support; so imagine what constituents can do if they were better informed about legislation, as well as connected to their peers who share likeminded goals...in this case, securing appropriate and timing access to care and treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS. MyGov365 provides the necessary tools to make it happen!

aaa+ is the first national HIV/AIDS organization to harness the networking and educational power of the MyGov365 platform. The nonpartisan platform empowers people living with HIV/AIDS with a free suite of tools to enhance communication and collaboration with the general public, peers and elected officials.


MyGov365 is comprised of a diverse mix of everyday citizens with one common passion: to use innovative technology to bridge the communications gaps between citizens, government, organizations and political professionals. MyGov365’s platform intelligently matches users to their districts and elected officials, making it extremely easy for officials to share information and gather feedback. As updates occur such as introduced legislation, bill summaries, or discussions, constituents receive notifications about activity in their district and/or by their specific elected officials. This increases awareness and engagement, and can help lay the groundwork to build community support for various issues, which in turn makes it easier to get legislation considered. Individuals can create their own profile for free at http://www.mygov365.com!

MyGov365’s platform is currently comprised (and growing) of legislation from the United States Congress, District of Columbia (DC) and 32 states – Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

In the Spring 2011, Americans witnessed the "Arab Spring" sweep across the Middle East, ushering in a new era of democracy and freedom for millions of people. Their success was fueled by years of discontent, coupled with a newfound ability to communicate, organize and protest called social media. Never before had people been armed with the tools to instantly communicate with each other on such a large scale to influence political change.

In the United States that same model needs to be employed by HIV/AIDS activists -- and in no other case is the need more pressing than by ADAP constituencies and stakeholders. Weekly, we witness approximately 200 of our fellow HIVers get relegated to a demeaning, stressful and unhealthy place called an ADAP waiting list. In fact, as of July 14th, there were 8,689 individuals in 13 states on ADAP waiting lists, including Alabama with 88 individuals; Arkansas with 37 individuals; Florida with 3,558 individuals; Georgia with 1,669 individuals; Idaho with 23 individuals; Louisiana with 886 individuals; Montana with 29 individuals; North Carolina with 302 individuals; Ohio with 373 individuals; South Carolina with 858 individuals; Utah with 29 individuals; Virginia with 837 individuals; and Wyoming with 0 individuals.

The aaa+/MyGov365 partnership has the ability to re-engage longtime leaders, while also attracting fresh new voices to this fight. What better way to teach the next generation of HIV/AIDS activists than by political networking the very same way social networking is done on Facebook, or professional networking is done on LinkedIn? Often times, too, some constituents complain that understanding the political and legislative process is difficult because the process isn't spelled out in layman's terms, or the information isn't easily and readily accessible. MyGov365 changes that paradigm.

According to Jay Resio, President of MyGov365, using the civic engagement platform, aaa+ will empower its new and existing members to stay informed and engaged about important issues, legislation and civic activities related to the organization's mission. Members can track legislation and receive updates, cast votes on legislative initiatives, collaborate in the ADAP Advocacy Association’s network, and more. ADAP constituencies and stakeholders will benefit from MyGov365's ability to provide member feedback and insight to elected officials, civic leaders and other organizations to help expedite the legislative and civic decision-making process.

Sign up today at www.mygov365.com. It's free and easy to use!

Where you at ? - The ADAP Crisis in America

Some of you may be familiar with and may of read my previous posts -here- here and here about the ever growing AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) waiting list in the United States. Well it is that time of year again when the ADAP Advocacy Association ( aaa+) holds it annual ADAP Conference. aaa+ strives to promote and enhance the AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAPs) and improve access to care for persons living with HIV/AIDS. aaa+ works with advocates, community, health care, government, patients, pharmaceutical companies and other stakeholders to assure that access to services recognize and afford persons living with HIV/AIDS to enjoy a healthy life. As always I have to applaud and say THANK YOU to Brandon Macsata for organizing this whole thing and Amanda,Christopher,Joey and Regine and all the volunteers for making the conference a success.

Currently there are 8,615 Americans (as of 6/30/11) who are not getting their life saving medication. They are just simply sitting on a waiting list. Since 6/29/10 over 6,000 Americans have been added to the ADAP waiting list. That is in just one year. This is what made this year's conference extremely important. Can you imagine finding out you are HIV+ today and not being able to get medications because you can't afford them. AIDS medications can cost $1200 a month or more. Would you take the time to apply for ADAP if it meant you were going on a waiting list ? For many Americans this is a reality. So on top of the 8,615 currently on the list can you imagine the hundreds or thousands of people living with HIV/AIDS who don't apply since they can't get care and treatment they need.

It is very frustrating to me. I feel that every human being should be given the treatment they need to live a happy life, regardless of what disease they have or how big their bank accounts are. How can someone not be able to look inside themselves and find the compassion to want to help another human being. It leaves me dumbfounded. We can sit here and point fingers but as a nation we need to stand up to all responsible and create a movement.We literally need to take the streets and fight for our lives.

Lets get back to the conference. The conference opened up with guest speaker Bishop Joyce Turner Keller. The Bishop has lofted the term “southern hospitality” to an entirely new level. She is not only the founder and CEO of Aspirations, a non-profit faith-based community service organization, but someone who is living with HIV/AIDS herself, and has dedicated herself to educating, supporting and inspiring others living with HIV/AIDS throughout the nation.

She was AMAZING. She not only walked in like a rock star with bright red hair, she brought the house down with her opening speech. We all felt her passion and it re-energized the passion inside all of us. She kept asking us one question thought out her speech. "Where you at ?" It clicked in so many ways. At one point during here speech she was calling out names of states. "Florida..Where you at ? Georgia..Where you at ?" Then attendees from each state would make noise and raise their hands. It was very empowering. By the end of the conference she had us all screaming "Where you at ?" It made it me realize how important it is for us living with HIV/AIDS to STAND UP and get our family and friends involved. I hope to have her come on POZIAM Radio sometime soon.

POZIAMers Meet
Tuesday evening I had an awesome experience. I have always wanted to get a group of POZIAMers together for a dinner or event. FYI - POZIAMers are members of my social network. I knew a bunch of them would be in DC for the conference and I would be meeting them for the first time. So I organized a dinner at Level One and about 20 people responded yes. Most of all met out front of the Westin Hotel.

With the help of our tour guide Christopher Myron, our clan arrived at Level One in one piece. There we met up with other POZIAMers who lived in DC but were not attending the ADAP Conference. It was such an amazing feeling to meet the people you see online in person. People who you talk to everyday or read their blogs. We had a great time and obviously took plenty of pictures. I can't wait for the next POZIAMers dinner. Some of us were outside the hotel sharing stories until 3am. We didn't care what time it was. These little conversations with fellow advocates can be life changing. Having Dab Garner as my roommate was one of the other highlights of my trip. Spending time and having conversations with a man you who has been fighting this for over 30 years was priceless. I admire and respect his wisdom and strength. This was the icing on the cake for me.

1st Annual ADAP Leadership Awards Dinner
Wednesday evening we all attended the 2011 Annual ADAP Leadership Award Dinner. As a Board member of aaa+ I have to say we recognized an amazing slate of leaders, who for the last year have taken it upon themselves to raise awareness about the AIDS Drug Assistance Programs. All doing their part in the fight in their own way. It was an honor to be among them all. Over all the conference was a great experience and brought people from across the United States together to discuss a every important issue.

The 2010-2011 award recipients include:

ADAP Champion of the Year:

Dab Garner of Dab the AIDS Bear Project

ADAP Emerging Leader of the Year:

Jason King of AIDS Healthcare Foundation

ADAP Corporate Partner of the Year:

The Honorable Neil Romano of The Romano Group, LLC

ADAP Community Organization of the Year:

Stephen Gunsallus of Counseling Ministries.Org

ADAP Lawmaker of the Year:

The Honorable Alcee Hastings, M.C. (FL-23)

ADAP Social Media Campaign of the Year:

AIDS Activism 101 by Mark King of MyFabulousDisease

ADAP Grassroots Campaign of the Year:

Butch McKay of Positive Living Conference / ActivateU

• ADAP Media Story of the Year:

HIV S.O.S. by Charles Blow of the New York Times

Congratulations to all the recipients and Thank you for the hard work you do and awareness you have continue to bring to the ADAP Crisis in America.

Current ADAP numbers

8,615 individuals in 13 states, as of June 30, 2011

Alabama: 73 people

Arkansas: 40 people

Florida: 3,562 people

Georgia: 1,630 people

Idaho: 20 people

Louisiana: 824 people

Montana: 29 people

North Carolina: 292 people

Ohio: 485 people

South Carolina: 810 people

Utah: 25 people

Virginia: 817 people

Wyoming: 8 people


For more information on ADAP waiting lists.
Please visit www.adapadvocacyassociation.org/

The ADAP Crisis, and the Proverbial Water-Well

This morning I watched as six of 12 defenseless ducklings fell into a well, as the mother duck stood her ground and protected the other chicks from making the same mistake. The mother duck's quack became increasingly louder until residents of the apartment complex figured out what had happened, and rescued the baby chicks.

Had the mother's quack not been so loud, and had others who could come to the rescue not been around; she would have lost six of her offspring. The chicks' quacks were faint being about five feet underground, and would have eventually been silenced by their eventual death, without anyone ever knowing. That mother duck knew that inaction AND silence could equal death.

That mother duck and her chicks and the people who came to the rescue are an epitome of the ever-growing ADAP crisis occurring in our country right now. 8,310 humans are defenseless as they go untreated for their HIV/AIDS infection; defenseless because our government is not coming to the rescue to provide lifesaving medications.

Later in the day I saw the same man who came to the rescue pour green slimy water down that drain. This would have surely killed the ducklings. It's kind of representative of what states are doing to its people, by lowering the FPL, and changing other eligibility criteria; overall making it harder for people to obtain medicine and other necessary resources for survival. As we are being told in numerous state and nationally sponsored campaigns; get tested, know your status; we are also being told (if testing positive) that we cannot help you. This ADAP crisis sends the opposite message; a message of hopelessness; why get tested if I can't be treated?

Recent Research indicates that those on ARV (antiretroviral medication) are 96 percent less likely to pass the virus onto their partner). Research also indicates that starting ARV earlier in the progression of the disease helps prevent the virus from replicating to a point that significantly destroys the immune system. History tells us what untreated HIV infections can lead to; opportunistic infections, other illnesses, and DEATH. History has shown that silence = death. History has also shown that the power of voice, of action, of compassion, understanding, and care are the cornerstones of human existence.

With regard to the ADAP: voices are being displayed in public forums, through online initiatives, through teleconferences, through letter writing, and signing of petitions. Within the HIV/AIDS community we are showing compassion, care, and understanding to our friends living with HIV/AIDS. However, the "everyday" American has not caught on to the ADAP crisis, and most politicians and legislators are ill-informed, uneducated, and simply have become complacent to this issue.

What will it take? 8,000 people dying before this crisis makes the front page of The New York Times, The Washington Post, The LA Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, The Chicago Tribune, the Sun-Sentinel and other newspapers from across the country. When will it hit the national news such as CNN, MSNBC, FOX and other local news channels? When will our government step in to fix the problem? Before it's too late?

Just as the quack of the duck became increasingly louder to save her baby chicks, OUR voices must be heard and cannot be silenced; as we have seen with regard to the Arab spring; great things can be accomplished when people band together to create desired change.

We have the medicine, we have the research to show us it works, and we have the history as a reminder to all of us what can happen when this disease is silenced. History also show's us the great accomplishments that have been made by our voices, AND our actions.

We can take this moment and seize it by rising up, standing out, and speaking up about HIV/AIDS and this ADAP crisis or we can take this moment; place it in the proverbial water well; only for our actions and words to be silenced. The latter CANNOT be an option.

Until there is a cure our government MUST not re-main complacent and must make sure that EVERY American living with HIV/AIDS has access to lifesaving and life sustaining medication which keep people alive and healthy.

Will you please sign this petition and leave a comment to tell Washington and States to STOP cuts to ADAP and other HIV/AIDS services; and to instead FULLY fund these programs!

Blog by Kevin Maloney, ADAP Advocacy Association member from Clifton Park, NY

Sir Elton John gives Florida Governor Rick Scott the "Crocodile Rock"

"Well Crocodile Rocking is something shocking when your feet just can't keep still I never knew me a better time and I guess I never will...Oh Lawdy mama those Friday nights when Suzie wore her dresses tight and the Crocodile Rocking was out of sight"

-- Sir Elton John

Embattled Florida Governor Rick Scott (R) was put on noticed by Sir Elton John that his State's proposed eligibility changes to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program ("ADAP") - which would essentially kick up to 1,800-plus Floridians living with HIV/AIDS off the program and leave them with few treatment options - was unacceptable. John, who is the Founder of the Elton John AIDS Foundation - wrote to the governor earlier this month, pleading with him to protect the program's integrity by preserving existing eligibility guidelines.

"Given that life-saving HIV/AIDS medications can cost between $10,000 and $30,000 per year, this proposal would put these low-income individuals with HIV/AIDS in the untenable position of being completely unable to afford treatment for an incurable, communicable disease," read, in part, John's letter.

As of June 10th, there were 8,230 people living with HIV/AIDS on ADAP waiting lists in 13 states. Florida has the largest ADAP waiting list, with 3,529 Floridians living with HIV/AIDS being denied care. Health care rationing is not only fiscally short-sighted, especially with a disease such as HIV/AIDS, but it also goes against the very fabric of the American experience. Yet, it happens all too often and something needs to change!

The letter represents the first high-profile gesture of support for the cash-strapped ADAPs...something that many within the HIV/AIDS community will propel the issue to higher level of media and public scrutiny. Long ago were the days when the disease garnered national attention in the morning newspapers and evening television news broadcast. Despite a few national news stories sprinkled here and there, including a recent Op-Ed by Charles Blow in the New York Times, most of the media attention has been focused at the local level.

Now, John has taken his case directly to the public by starting an online petition, which he hopes to send to Gov. Scott. The Florida Independent first reported that the online petition was started because the governor still had not responded to his June 1st appeal.

Some might say that Sir Elton John decided to give Gov. Scott the "Crocodile Rock." As of today (June 17th), there were already 1,053 signatures on the online petition (including this author)!

The petition reads, in part:

"Dear Governor Scott:

We, the undersigned, co-sign and endorse the attached letter from Sir Elton John and David Furnish calling on you to not cut vital HIV medication access to Floridians in need."

The full text of the letter can be found here: http://goo.gl/30MXO

CLICK HERE to sign the online petition today!

Dear God, How’ve you been?

****Reprinted with permission from Christopher Myron****
The following blog is also available online at Christopher vs. HIV

Dear God,
How’ve you been? I must iterate my apologies for not writing to you sooner. However, due to the constant upheavals in my life (of which I hold you largely responsible) you must understand my reasons for not getting back to you sooner. But, don’t worry, all is forgiven, darling. It would be in terrible Christian manners for me not to forgive, don’t you agree?

Well, I’m sure you’ve been keeping up with everything that’s been happening from my end. I must say it wouldn’t have killed you to check in with me from time to time. As the universe creator and the all knowing ambassador of life, your advice on matters that sought a second look would’ve been encouraged. For instance, where were you when I was eight years old and my grandmother passed away? While you were transitioning her into new accommodations (which by the way better be first class considering she deserves it) my entire family tree fell apart. In the while, the adults of the world thought it was okay to pick on me, the quiet kid, by saying how bad I was at everything. Perhaps it was the quiet side of me that made me inept to sports and scholastics, allotting my free time to do, ya know, nothing. It’s not like I asked for anything, yet I was still labeled a spoiled brat. Is it because the one thing I ever asked for was a swing and never got it? Should I have made a fuss do you think? I must say your absence taught me to live alone in a bubble from an early age. I was comforted by shutting everyone out and changing my excessive smiles to pursed lips. Can you believe that is still the same attitude I have with most people these days? That point made me chuckle for a moment and I almost spilled my Perfect Manhattan that I’m drinking as I write this. But, like I said, all is forgiven.

Anyways, where was I? Oh yes, your abandonment. Sorry to sound like your mother, I’m sure. I thought my childhood and adolescent years would be the worst of it all. Well, was I wrong! Maybe I’ll let you be the judge.

Darling, did you hear I became a homosexual? Or, as the less educated population calls it, “a faggot?” Boy, what an experience it’s been! Thank goodness you approve and love homosexuals because people here sure don’t, especially the people who think they know how to interpret the Bible. Can you believe they won’t let us marry? What terrible manners. I bet you didn’t see that coming when you created HIV. Did you think when the first reported cases that were directed towards gay men that the world as we know it would sympathize? Which reminds me, give my best to the millions of men and women who are no longer here because of HIV, including my Uncle George.

I shouldn’t be so dramatic about everything because I did let HIV in my bubble. No doubt you heard that we’re involved? I bet you heard the news through the grapevine that I’m with HIV? Don’t worry; nothing to get bent out of shape over. HIV and I grew a lasting relationship over the past year and a half: I know where to find him if I need him and he leaves me alone, for now. We check in with each other about every three or so months, which is more than I can say of you, but I digress. Meanwhile, most of the homosexual community won’t talk to me because I’m with HIV. Whodathunkit?

Thank goodness you couldn’t be here in the days I hated being gay in a world that hates me for being gay. I had a fabulous time with the gentleman (which one it was strikes my memory at the moment) that inserted his tainted sperm in me. If not for him I would have never met HIV. It’s dashing, really. He opened up my circle of friends. In fact, I see my best friends, Atripla and Isentress at least twice a day, now. They have quite expensive tastes and eat me out of house and home, but I don't have the heart to say no to them. They send their love and gratitude for introducing us.

Sometimes I wonder if you hate me, but I’m just talking crazy. Right? I’d say “LOL” to you, but it would appear you’ve been missing from the world for so long that you’d have no idea what that means? Oh, you old fogy! Or should I assume that you possibly have kept up with the times after all and just abandoned me?

But, let me be serious for a moment and confess something to you, darling. I do have regrets and abandonment issues of my own. Since I’ve met HIV I’ve recently abandoned all the selfless men and women fighting to stop the spread of HIV. Yes, HIV is cheating on me with millions of people out there, but I let it happen. I, too, have been so focused on me that I forgot how important each and every one of them is to me. I just hope they know. Any advice for me considering you’re well versed in abandoning those in need?

Well I should wrap this rampant letter up, darling. I could only imagine all the other depressed and lonely people you need to attend to (or ignore) these days. I’d end with saying, “looking forward to your reply letter,” but I know how terribly busy you are being God and all. So until next time we coerce I’ll be holding down the fort on this cruel and unforgiving world you tossed me on.

Hugs and kisses,

Christopher

Only Self-Advocates Can End the ADAP Waiting List Crisis

Ask anyone who currently works or who has worked on Capitol Hill and their answer will be the same. Constituents matter! In the 1978 groundbreaking analysis, Home Style: House Members in their Districts, political scientist Richard Fenno demonstrated the importance of various constituencies within a congressional district and how they impact Members of Congress. That is where former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Tip O'Neil got it right: All politics is local.

High-powered lobbyists are important. Clearly, advocates representing national organizations are important. But no single group is more important than the constituents residing in a Member of Congress' district, or state. In 2006, 2008 and 2010, there were three consecutive "change" elections, and many political pundits are predicting that 2012 just might be another. And that's why people effected by and affected by HIV/AIDS need to reserve their respective seats at the table. It’s about building relationships, solidifying constituencies, and influencing key decision-makers in Washington, D.C.

The ADAP Advocacy Association's 4th Annual Conference - being held in Washington, DC on July 5-7th - represents one, among many, opportunities for people living with HIV/AIDS to become more involved in the process. Members of Congress and their professional staffs would much rather speak directly to their constituents than "playing nice" with DC-based professionals. The conference theme, When will Washington come to the rescue?, was intentionally named as such because it highlights one of the biggest drivers behind the ongoing crisis facing the AIDS Drug Assistance Programs: lack of federal funding. Keep in mind, federal funding as a percentage for ADAP decreased from 72% in 2005 to 49% in 2010.

In essence, aaa+ understands that the ADAP crisis isn't about politicians, or pharmaceutical companies, or community AIDS Service Organizations - in fact, it isn't even about the funding itself. Rather, it is about the very people living with HIV/AIDS living in the United States who rely on the program to remain healthy, productive residents in their communities back home. What aaa+ hopes to accomplish with its 4th Annual Conference - and other programs - is to create an army of self-advocates who can end the ADAP waiting lists. After all, it is back home where they can most influence the decisions that adversely impact their daily lives.

Used in this context, self advocates can be defined as people living with HIV/AIDS, acting or speaking on issues that affect them or other people living with HIV/AIDS. Said another way, self advocates are people that communicate on behalf of themselves and others like themselves. Self advocacy has four integrated parts:

Strong self advocates are speaking up and speaking out

Community integration by participating in the community

Being part of a group to find support

Everyday opportunities and the expectation to be self advocates

In preparation for conference, all ADAP stakeholders - but especially people living with HIV/AIDS - are invited to learn more and hopefully participate. The agenda is available online, as well as the registration form (if you're a pharmaceutical company representative, click here). For those ADAP stakeholders seeking a detail explanation of why the conference is focused on the federal appropriations, please review the conference summary.