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In This Month's Issue
- Support Workplace Giving
- Cheering for the Mass Red Ribbon Riders
- Mayor Menino Checks Out Boomerangs
- Housing is Healthcare
- Policy Update on HDAP Funding
- Register to Vote!
- Events Calendar Update
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Support AIDS Action Through Your Workplace Giving Program |
Most employers sponsor a program that will allow you to make contributions through payroll deductions. Whether it is a program such as the United Way or an internal campaign, this is an easy and convenient way to support our work by designating your gift to AIDS Action Committee.
Click here for more information on supporting AIDS Action through workplace giving programs.
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Mayor Menino Visits Boomerangs Brighton |
Boston's Mayor Thomas Menino stopped by the Boomerangs store in Brighton Center recently for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand re-opening of the store.
Also on hand for the ceremony were Representative Kevin Honan, Charlotte Golar Richie, Director of the Department of Neighborhood Development; Rosie Hanlon, Brighton Main Streets Director; and AAC's, Rebecca Haag, Larry Kessler and Paul Tonnesen.
 Last month's online auction was a big success! We had many people bidding on items ranging from a Pee Wee Herman collectible video set to fine furniture and jewelry. August's auction opens on Monday, August 16 and will feature both news and previously loved items including furniture, a very unique lamp, a gift certificate to The SportsClub/LA in Boston, a collectible teapot, a violin and more. Click here to preview the auction.
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AIDS Action's Worthington House
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Here at AIDS Action we believe that housing is healthcare because we know that people with HIV are 4 times more likely to enter and remain in medical care, 9 times more likely to receive social services and 7 times more likely to receive mental health services if they are housed.
We are proud of the fact that AIDS Action’s Housing Advocates placed more than 60 people in safe affordable housing last year. Out of those who contacted us, our advocates worked intensively with 140 clients, 80% of whom were homeless. Our work involved helping with housing applications, eviction prevention and providing post placement stabilization services as many of our clients have no experience living alone and setting up house.
Unfortunately, the U.S. House of Representatives appropriations bill for housing (passed on July 20th) contained cuts of $13 million for housing for persons with AIDS (HOPWA) and cuts of $11 million for housing for persons with disabilities. In addition, our two local Housing Authorities are no longer administering vouchers. The Boston Housing Authority alone has 20,000 people on its waiting list.
The Senate will consider their housing appropriations bill this fall. AIDS Action will monitor this situation and will let you know when it is time to urge your Senators to fully fund all housing programs and reject any attempts to reduce funding for housing.
How can you help?
Click here to join our online advocacy group, CyberAction to be notified automatically whenever action is needed on this issue.
Click here to make a donation.
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Policy Update: Funding still needed to prevent HDAP waiting list |
The HIV Drug Assistance program (HDAP) pays for HIV/AIDS medications for uninsured and underinsured people with HIV in Massachusetts Due to a projected shortfall in this fiscal year (which began on July 1st), HDAP is in danger of instituting a waiting list for the first time in its history. This means that people with HIV, who would otherwise qualify for this assistance, would have to wait for an opening in the program before they are able to access life saving medications.
The legislature may pass a supplemental budget this month to give additional funding to certain items in the state budget. It is important that we let the legislators know that at least $2.4 million of this additional funding must go to the HDAP program to prevent a waiting list. Click here for more information and to contact your legislators. Click here to join our online advocacy group, CyberAction to be notified automatically whenever action is needed on an HIV/AIDS issue.
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Register to Vote and Make a Difference in the Upcoming Elections! |
Now more than ever, your voice can and will make a difference in the upcoming elections. Your vote will help decide who will lead our country for the coming years, and who will make decisions that impact all of us in Massachusetts.
In the 2000 election, only 60% of eligible US citizens voted. Help ensure that the candidates you want to represent you get that chance by registering to vote now and by casting your ballot this fall!
This fall, you will have the chance to vote in both state and federal elections. Positions on the ballot not only include the President/Vice president, but also 10 US Congressional districts, state county Sheriffs and Commissioners, and state Senators and state Representatives.
The state and federal primary is on Tuesday, September 14. The last day to register for the primary is coming up soon on Wednesday, August 25th!
The general election will take place on Tuesday, November 2. The last day to register for this important election is Wednesday, October 13! Click here for more information on how to register to vote. | 
