Date: Thu, 10 Jul 97 17:04:46 EDT From: "communications" Subject: Report Shows AIDS Drug Assistance Programs Need More Funds ________________________________________________________ NEWS from the Human Rights Campaign 1101 14th Street NW Washington, DC 20005 email: hrc@hrc.org WWW: http://www.hrc.org ________________________________________________________ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, July 10, 1997 REPORT POINTS UP NEED FOR INCREASED FUNDING FOR AIDS DRUG ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS HRC Calls on Congress, Administration To Increase Funding for ADAPs WASHINGTON -- A new report demonstrating that many states are having to limit their AIDS Drug Assistance Programs is further evidence that the federal government needs to target more money for these projects, according to the Human Rights Campaign. The study, conducted by the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors and the AIDS Treatment Data Network, found that as expensive new drug therapies are dramatically improving the health of people living with HIV/AIDS, more than half the 52 state ADAPs have had to impose limits to cope with increased demands and costs. "President Clinton did not request any specific increases in the AIDS Drug Assistance Program for fiscal 1998, and no HIV and AIDS programs were on the `protected list' in the budget agreement," said Winnie Stachelberg, HRC's legislative director. "This study is one more reason why this situation must be rectified." ADAPs are also likely to face increasing demands in light of proposed federal guidelines, released last month, on the recommended use of the new, more effective anti-retroviral drugs. HRC has warned that these guidelines have the potential to widen the gap between the treatment people need and what ADAPs can provide unless the federal and state governments step in to help. "In light of both these reports, we call on Congress and the administration to re-examine the AIDS Drug Assistance Program and Medicaid, which currently provide drugs primarily to the sickest people with HIV disease," Stachelberg said. "We must ensure that these programs allow for the early and aggressive treatment of people with HIV, even those without symptoms." The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian and gay political organization, with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that lesbian and gay Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community. - 30 -