An NCAAN Intern in Washington

On September 30, on behalf of NCAAN, I joined nearly 75 community leaders from across the state of North Carolina to visit the White House and participate in a dialogue about government policies and how we can interact better with the White House.

Our delegation joined a delegation from Georgia, and the joined group met with Jon Carson Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement. The day’s agenda included breakout sessions on health care, education, veterans affairs, etc. (and even included a tour of the East Wing of the White House).

I was moved by the commitment so many of my colleagues demonstrated to serving the citizens of North Carolina who are most in need, and are so often overlooked. During a break-out session on health care, one of the many who spoke resoundingly for the need of affordable health care solutions was a member of the North Carolina General Assembly, Senator Eric Mansfield. I was proud of his contribution to this important and ongoing dialogue, and of his dedication to finding feasible solutions for everyone.

The trip with so many diverse and dynamic community leaders was inspirational. I look forward to continuing to apply that same enthusiasm as I continue to work with NCAAN and to advocate for the rights of PLWHA in North Carolina.

ADAP Watch

As of October 13, 2011 there are:

• 6,265 individuals enrolled in HIV/AIDS drug assistance programs (ADAP & SPAP)

• 5,756 are enrolled in ADAP
• 509 are enrolled in SPAP

• 58 individuals on the waiting list

As of October 6, 2011 there were:

• 6,235 individuals enrolled in HIV/AIDS drug assistance programs (ADAP & SPAP)

• 5,729 are enrolled in ADAP
• 506 are enrolled in SPAP

• 59 individuals on the waiting list

According to NASTAD’s most recent ADAP Watch, released today, there are 10 states with waiting lists, totaling 7,299 people. That report shows NC as having 58 clients on the waiting list, which was our official count at COB on October 12, 2011. NC accounts for approximately 0.79% of the national ADAP waiting list. NASTAD’s ADAP Watch can be found here.

ADAP Emergency Relief Serves 300 People Living with HIV/AIDS in NC

Late last month, we announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services had released $3M in AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) emergency relief funding for North Carolina -- part of a total package of nearly $44M in federal funding for HIV/AIDS care and medications in our state.

We wanted to make sure to follow up with this news from the NC Department of Health & Human Services:

The NC ADAP received three million dollars in ADAP Shortfall Relief funds from HRSA. As a result of this funding, we moved 300 clients from the waiting list into active enrollment [on October 6th]. The 59 individuals who remain on the waiting list were added to the waiting list after July 1, 2011. Clients who remain on the waiting list are eligible to receive medications from Welvista and other PAPs.

Please help us to spread the word -- and let us know how you feel about these developments!