What Are You Waiting For?Rally in D.C. Monday to Kick Off AIDSWatch 2009!
April 23, 2009
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. 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. This article was provided by Housing Works. It is a part of the publication Housing Works AIDS Issues Update.
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