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February 25, 2005

GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE 15

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In early January, the community learned of possible 25% cuts in Ryan White Title II (HIV medication and case management) at the state level. The news was devastating.

But the community took action. Hundreds of people in Cleveland and across the State of Ohio wrote letters, made phone calls, and sent e-mails. The letters came from all walks of life: HIV care consumers, clergy, nonprofit leaders, LGBT activists, physicians, social workers, family members.

And on Feb. 10, the Ohio Department of Health rescinded the proposed cut.

You spoke. And you changed things.

But there's more to do. At the Emergency Community Briefing on HIV/AIDS Funding on Feb. 10, a Call to Action was issued. It called for the following:

Fully Fund Title II at the State Level

Restore HIV Prevention Funding from the City of Cleveland Fund Prevention Strategies that Work Not Abstinence-only Programs Oppose Medicaid/Disability Medical Program Cuts at the State Level Join Efforts to Oppose Cuts in Government Funding for Struggling Cities Fully Fund the Ryan White CARE Act at the Federal Level Continue to Highlight the Links between AIDS and Civil Rights, such as

LGBT Human Rights

And there are new challenges. Analysis of the President's proposed Ryan White budget, for example, shows that it could result in a loss of $7 million in AIDS services for Ohio between 2006 and 2010.

We've won one. But there's more work ahead. Join us for a Town Hall Meeting to plan our next steps, and to continue the fight to protect AIDS prevention, care and services.

Town Hall Meeting, Thursday, March 3rd, 3-5 p.m.

AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland, 2728 Euclid, Cleveland Call 216.357.2221 for more information

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