AIDS Action Weekly Update

• This Week in Washington
  • "Super Waiver" Raising Concerns on Capitol Hill
  • Health Disparities Remain a Major Concern
  • Commerce Subcommittee on Health to Address Abstinence-Only
  • AIDS Watch Set for June 9-11, 2002 -- AIDS Action National Partner
• In the News
  • Nation on the Verge of Hepatitis-C Explosion
  • Funding for AIDS Services Dwindling
  • New Report Shows Dramatic Increase of AIDS in China
  • Iran Institutes Abstinence+ to Combat AIDS Epidemic
  • Nominations Requested for HHS Advisory Committee
  • Matching Grants Available Through "LIFP 2003"
  • CDC Announces Fellowship for HIV Prevention Leadership
  • HIV/AIDS Prevention Grant RFPs Issued
• AIDS Action Board Member Highlight

This Week in Washington

"Super Waiver" Raising Concerns on Capitol Hill

On April 11, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities released an analysis of the two House Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) reauthorization bills introduced this week: H.R. 4090, The Personal Responsibility, Work and Family Promotion Act of 2002, introduced by Representative Herger (R-CA), Chair of the Subcommittee on Human Resources of the Ways and Means Committee, and a companion TANF reauthorization bill introduced by Representative McKeon (R-CA), Chair of the Subcommittee on 21st Century Competitiveness of the House Education and Workforce Committee. Included in both bills is a "super-waiver" proposal, which would allow the Secretaries of Education, HHS, and Labor to waive, at a state's request, any rule in any program (except Medicaid) in their departments, undermining federal program standards and possibly leading to the transfer of substantial resources from one program to another. The TANF reauthorization could be on the House floor as early as the first week in May.

Health Disparities Remain a Major Concern

The Congressional Black Caucus Spring 2002 Health Braintrust was held on Friday, April 12. The topic of the hearing was the Status and Progress of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Initiative to Eliminate Racial and Ethnic Disparities. Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Claude Allen, testified, "there's no dispute that health disparities exist in our nation. Secretary Thompson made the elimination of health disparities one of his highest priorities and charged me with the responsibility of leading a department-wide effort to address specifically racial and ethnic disparities." Deputy Secretary Allen has begun meetings to address this issue and has called on community involvement and partnerships to assist the governmental agencies.

The braintrust also discussed the recent Institute of Medicine Report, Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care and the Minority Health in America: Findings and Implications, from the Commonwealth Fund. Additional testimony was heard from agency heads at DHHS who have responsibility for the implementation of the agency's efforts to address disparities. To view the web cast: click here.

Commerce Subcommittee on Health to Address Abstinence-Only

On April 23rd, the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce will hold a hearing of its Health Subcommittee to address "Welfare Reform: A Review of Abstinence Education and Transitional Medical Assistance." The committee will discuss H.R. 4122, a bill introduced a week ago by Subcommittee member Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), Rep. Ralph Hall (D-TX), along with Chairmen Tauzin and Bilirakis to amend Section 510 of the Social Security Act that allocates grants to the Abstinence Education/Transitional Medicaid program.

H.R. 4122 extends grant funding for states to provide abstinence education programs, which passed under the 1996 bill and expired in 2002, until fiscal year 2007. The legislation does not include language such as greater state flexibility or funding of programs beyond the strict 8-point definition of allowable activities that may be present in other welfare reform bills. The hearing will take place on April 23rd at 3 p.m. in Room 2322 of the Rayburn House Office Building. To read the press release on the bill: click here. To view the web-cast: click here.

AIDS Watch Set for June 9-11, 2002 -- AIDS Action National Partner

AIDS Action, in partnership with the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA) and the National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC), is pleased to announce that AIDS Watch 2002, the annual HIV/AIDS grassroots advocacy event, is scheduled to take place June 9-11, 2002 in Washington, D.C.

AIDS Watch 2002 will include a day of education and advocacy training sessions followed by two days of visits with members of Congress, congressional staff and Administration officials. Participants will highlight the need for increased funding for HIV/AIDS programs, as well as advocate for policies impacting those persons at risk or living with HIV/AIDS. To learn more about AIDS Watch 2002 or to register on-line go to: click here.

In the News

Nation on the Verge of Hepatitis-C Explosion

The April 22 issue of Newsweek magazine is reporting on a killer disease that can remain undetected and undiagnosed for years and could have been transmitted, unknowingly to millions, Hepatitis C. The HCV virus, otherwise known as Hepatitis C, is a blood-borne pathogen that attacks the liver, often causing inflammation and, in extreme cases, cirrhosis. There are growing concerns regarding the population at risk for Hepatitis C, which includes injection drug users but also includes a wide variety of individuals who may not fall into the category of "personal responsibility and lifestyle" risk categories. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if you fall into any of the following categories, you may be at risk for Hepatitis C: 1) were notified that you received blood from a donor who later tested positive for hepatitis C; 2) have ever injected illegal drugs, even if you experimented a few times many years ago; 3) received a blood transfusion or solid organ transplant before July, 1992; 4) received a blood product for clotting problems produced before 1987; or 5) have ever been on long-term kidney dialysis or have evidence of liver disease. To read about CDC surveillance of Hepatitis C: click here.

Funding for AIDS Services Dwindling

On April 11, the Boston Globe reported on the evolving budget crisis that has forced the state of Massachusetts to cut the budget of the HIV/AIDS Bureau. Facing significant budget deficits, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has reduced its spending on HIV services by 20% from its previous budget year and returned spending to 1997 levels, even though the population requiring services has increased 30% since 1997. This funding reduction has resulted in significant cutbacks in programs and in severe dislocations and discontinuity in client services. Services directed at minority populations and women, which comprise communities with increasing rates of HIV infection, face new difficulties that multiply the existing problems of providing HIV serves and prevention efforts to those communities. Massachusetts has been a pioneer in providing comprehensive services to people with HIV for many years, and is now confronted with the practical reality of tight fiscal constraints. Through June of 2001, 7,108 individuals were living with HIV/AIDS in the state of Massachusetts.

New Report Shows Dramatic Increase of AIDS in China

On April 12, The New York Times reported that the Chinese government released a report showing a thirty percent increase in new HIV cases. The report estimated that approximately 850,000 people had contracted HIV by the end of 2001, with approximately 200,000 having already progressed to AIDS. While these are the highest numbers reported thus far by the Chinese government, it is well below figures estimated from organizations outside China. According to the UNAIDS 2001 Update on the HIV/AIDS Epidemic, approximately 1.5 million Chinese are infected with HIV. To read the entire article: click here.

Iran Institutes Abstinence+ to Combat AIDS Epidemic

The Associated Press is reporting that, in a groundbreaking decision by the Iranian government, the National Committee to Fight AIDS has convinced officials in the Ministry of Education to allow an AIDS awareness campaign to distribute education and prevention materials in schools. Although there is no formal sex education in their conservative religious society, the Iranian government has recognized the need to enact an aggressive campaign to stop the spread of HIV. The materials will focus on respecting religious and family values but will also discuss condoms and the dangers of drug use.

Nominations Requested for HHS Advisory Committee

The Office of Minority Health (OMH), within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), is requesting nominations to fill four vacancies for voting members to serve on the HHS Advisory Committee on Minority Health. The advisory committee advises the Secretary on ways to improve the health of racial and ethnic minority populations, and on the development of goals and program activities within the Department. It consists of 12 voting members appointed by the Secretary from among racial and ethnic minorities who have expertise regarding issues of minority health. Members serve for four years and are compensated for the time they spend in Committee meetings. Nominations are due May 15. To learn more about the Advisory Committee or to obtain a copy of a nomination form: click here.

Matching Grants Available Through "LIFP 2003"

The Local Initiative Funding Partners (LIFP) program is a matching grants program designed to establish partnerships between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and local grant-makers in support of innovative, community-based projects that improve health and health care for underserved and at-risk populations. Under LIFPP, a local grant-maker proposes a funding partnership to RWJF on behalf of a local applicant for grant funds. RWJF established this matching grants program to help support projects that are consistent with the Foundation's funding interests in improving health and health care. The local applicant for grant funds must prepare a concept paper and a preliminary budget with a brief narrative. Stage-I applicants should complete an online pre-registration form no later than July 26, 2002. To learn more about this grant: click here. To learn more about other federal grant opportunities through CDC: click here.

CDC Announces Fellowship for HIV Prevention Leadership

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is accepting applications for the Price Fellowships for HIV Prevention Leadership program, which offers individuals from community-based non-governmental organizations (NGOs) committed to preventing HIV infection, an opportunity to work closely with health professionals at the national level. The three individuals selected as Price Fellows will spend four weeks, (August 5-30, 2002) at the CDC in Atlanta, where they will work closely with CDC scientists and health professionals. They will gain an understanding of HIV prevention efforts at the national level while CDC health professionals learn about current efforts and concerns about HIV prevention at the community level. Complete application packets must be submitted by May 1, 2002. To find out more information about the Price Fellowship: contact Maestro Evans with the CDC at (404) 639-0960.

HIV/AIDS Prevention Grant RFPs Issued

The United States Conference of Mayors (USCM), in cooperation with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention, is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFPs) for the HIV/AIDS Prevention Grants Program to strengthen local capacities to carry out effective prevention activities. Proposals will be accepted for two tracks, "Implementation of HIV/AIDS Prevention Services Targeting Native Americans" and "Implementation of HIV/AIDS Prevention Services Targeting Gay/Bisexual Men of Color." Approximately $165,000 will be allocated to 3 grants of $50-60,000 each for Native Americans; approximately $255,000 will be allocated to 4 grants of $62-66,000 each for gay/bisexual men of color. Deadline for RFPs is Monday June 3, 2002, 5:00pm EST. No extensions will be granted. To read more about this grant opportunity: click here.

AIDS Action Board Member Highlight

The AIDS Action Council Board of Directors consists of local HIV/AIDS service providers throughout the United States. Each week, the Update will highlight one of these service providers and the work they are doing to fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic in their region.

AIDS Education Training Center (AETC) program is a nationwide network of 15 regional centers and 75 associate sites that conduct targeted, multi-disciplinary education and training programs for health care providers. Funding for AETCs are allocated through Part F of the Ryan White CARE Act. The AETCs serve all 50 States, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, and are dedicated to increasing the number of health care providers who are educated and motivated to counsel, diagnose, treat, and manage care for individuals with HIV/AIDS and help prevent high risk behaviors that may lead to infection. To learn more about AIDS Education Training Centers: click here.