What Are You Waiting For?

Washington, D.C. is different this year and so is AIDSWatch. This Monday, April 27 through Wednesday, April 29 marks AIDSWatch 2009, the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA)'s annual lobby day: Hundreds of people living with HIV/AIDS from around the country meet up in Washington, D.C. to lobby Congress -- about legislation that, for the first time in eight years, actually has a chance of being signed into law.

Top priorities this year include lifting the ban on federal funding for syringe exchange and pushing the Early Treatment for HIV Act (ETHA). On Wednesday activists can attend a Congressional Briefing on ETHA to hear firsthand from bill sponsors Reps. Eliot Engel (D-NY) and Ileana Ros‐Lehtinen (R-FL). ETHA would expand Medicaid access for people with HIV, so people get health care before they get sick.

Activists aren't just going to sit back and wait for politicians to do the right thing. At a kick-off rally at 1:30pm at Freedom Plaza called "We're Watching -- And Tired Of Waiting!" dozens of activists from throughout the country will hold leaders accountable for ending the epidemic in both Washington, D.C. and throughout the country. The diverse group of speakers will address the need for the involvement of people living with AIDS in crafting a National AIDS Strategy and a D.C. AIDS strategy. The rally is organized by the Campaign to End AIDS and NAPWA.

"We need our elected officials to hear us loud and clear that we're going to hold them accountable," said Housing Works National Field Organizer Larry Bryant.

The rally will also promote NAPWA's efforts to renew the Denver Principles. The Denver Principles Project is an effort by NAPWA to empower and connect people living with HIV/AIDS. The movement renews the Denver Principles that were created 25 years ago by HIV-positive activists who demanded respect, dignity and a say in their health care. The Denver Principles Project will combine individual voices of PWAs to form a collective and powerful single voice.

AIDSWatch is just a few days away, but it's not too late to get involved! You can still register online or when you arrive in Washington. Visit NAPWA's website for more information.