Lifelong AIDS Alliance Action Blog

The WA Budget still needs your help!

2010-02-02T14:27:00.000-08:00

The Washington budget isn’t set yet and HIV prevention and care services are still looking at deep cuts. We still need your help talking to legislators about how you feel. Prevention service are still going to be cut by more than 40% and care services by an additional 20%.Last week we asked for you to write letters so that we could hand deliver them to the state legislators on AIDS Action and

We need your help with the state budget!

2010-01-25T11:22:00.000-08:00

The 2010 Legislative Session is a “short” one that began the second week of January, with the final gavel expected to come down on March 11th. The supplemental budget will be the focus this session as the Legislature returns to Olympia under the dark cloud of a $2.6 budget shortfall. In early December the Governor released a proposed budget that addressed the financial crisis by reducing or

An open letter to President Obama

2009-12-09T15:51:00.000-08:00

The following is a letter sent to the President from 34 national leaders in HIV prevention policy with recommendations on how the National HIV/AIDS Strategy can advance our HIV prevention efforts. December 9, 2009President Barack ObamaThe White HouseWashington, DC 20500Dear Mr. President,As you know, HIV/AIDS remains a public health emergency in the United States. There is a new HIV infection

The National AIDS Strategy Town Meeting in Seattle is next week!

2009-12-04T08:33:00.001-08:00

I know we posted this not that long ago, but now the meeting is next week!Wednesday, December 9, 2009 Assist Secretary of Health (DHHS), Dr. Howard Koh and Director Christopher Bates (Office of HIV/AIDS Policy) will be in town for a Community Town Hall on the National AIDS Policy. The event will take place from 6:30-8:00 PM at the Asian Counseling and Referral Services building at 3639 Martin

National AIDS Strategy Town Hall in Seattle.

2009-11-12T15:47:00.000-08:00

SAVE THE DATE!!!Wednesday, December 9, 2009 Assist Secretary of Health (DHHS), Dr. Howard Koh and Director Christopher Bates (Office of HIV/AIDS Policy) will be in town for a Community Town Hall on the National AIDS Policy. The event will take place from 6:30-8:00 PM at the Asian Counseling and Referral Services building at 3639 Martin Luther King Jr. Way South.Come prepared with a story to share

BABES Focus Group

2009-11-03T13:25:00.000-08:00

The Election is Amost Here!

2009-10-20T15:25:00.000-07:00

Ballots arrived in Washington mailboxes late last week. These ballots have serious implications on how our fine state will handle HIV prevention and services to those living with HIV/AIDS.Your ballot has two important questions on it. The first is Tim Eyman’s Initiative-1033. Lifelong AIDS Alliance has taken a stand against Tim Eyman’s latest initiative, 1033, and we want to remind you to vote NO

Vote NO on I 1033

2009-10-05T13:16:00.000-07:00

Vote NO on Initiative 1033Initiative 1033 will be on the ballot in Washington State in November 2009. This Initiative may sound good on the surface, but truth is that I-1033 actually decreases the amount of money that will be spent on education, health care, and economic security. A similar initiative was passed in Colorado in 1992 and after seeing the damaging affects that have occurred there,

Just a few short days until the Candidate Forum.

2009-10-01T10:15:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that this Tuesday, October 6th is the Human Services Candidate Forum. The forum presented by the Seattle Human Services Coalition will begin at 5:45 PM at the Miller Community Center. Doors open at 5:30 and the program includes Seattle Mayoral race, Seattle City Council Positions 2, 4, 6, 8, City Attorney and King County Executive. Refreshments and snacks will be provided, as well

2009 Human Services Candidates Forum

2009-09-08T08:43:00.000-07:00

SAVE THE DATE! 2009 Human Services Candidates ForumLifelong AIDS Alliance would like to invite you to a Human Services Candidate Forum to be held on the evening of Tuesday, October 6th from 5:30-8:00PM at the Miller Community Center. The event is free and open to the public.Lifelong AIDS Alliance, as a member of the Seattle Human Services Coalition, is partnering with a number of local community

Seattle AIDS Walk A3D Team!

2009-08-26T10:02:00.000-07:00

Summer is coming to an end, and among other things, that means it’s AIDS Walk time!Steve, John, and Marc, the fabulous co-chairs of Lifelong’s Public Policy Committee, have formed a Walk Team: “Friends of A3D and Public Policy.”Please click the link below if you are interested in joining or supporting. We would love to have as many of you get involved and help in our fundraising and awareness

URGENT ACTION ALERT: Act NOW to Defeat Syringe Exchange Amendment!

2009-07-23T18:00:00.001-07:00

The following action alert comes to us from our friends at AIDS Action:Amendment to Ban Federal Syringe Exchange Funding on House Floor A House amendment to the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education bill is scheduled for floor debate, and may take place as early as tomorrow morning (July 24). Today, the Rules Committee approved an amendment by Representative Mark Souder (R-IN) which

ACTION ALERT: HIV Travel Ban Repeal

2009-07-13T13:46:00.000-07:00

Great news!The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are proposing the removal of HIV infection from the list of diseases that can keep people who are not U.S. citizens from entering the United States.On Thursday, July 2nd, HHS and the CDC published a notice in the Federal Register that it intends to repeal the HIV travel and

ACTION ALERT: Support Nurtition and the Ryan White CARE Act!

2009-07-01T15:59:00.000-07:00

Last month in Atlanta, hundreds of AIDS and nutrition advocates joined ANSA (Association of Nutrition Services Agencies) in showing their support for the power of medically appropriate food and nutrition services for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in the soon-to-be extended Ryan White program.Hundreds of advocates from around the country have already signed on to the letter below to be sent

ACTION ALERT for King Co. Residents!

2009-06-26T14:49:00.000-07:00

Good news! We have an option for progress on dedicated funds for human services in King County, but we must act quickly and decisively to urge electeds to implement it!The King County Council's Law, Justice, Health, and Human Services Committee met Tuesday afternoon to consider options for continued County funding of human services beyond 2009. One of these options would dedicate a specific

May 30th March for Health Care

2009-05-15T14:04:00.001-07:00

"Health care reform cannot wait, it must not wait, and it will not wait another year." -President Barack Obama NOW is the time for health care reform. Tens of thousands of people die every year in this country because of a lack of health coverage. Countless others struggle under crushing medical debt or suffer through treatable illnesses. Health care reform won't happen without a grassroots

ACTION ALERT!

2009-05-14T12:08:00.001-07:00

Speak Out Against the Syringe Funding Ban!Last week, President Obama released his Fiscal Year 2010 budget request. Unfortunately, his budget still includes the language that bans the use of federal funding for syringe exchange programs, despite their proven effectiveness in preventing new HIV and hepatitis C infections.In response, the Community AIDS and Hepatitis Prevention Act of 2009 (HR 179),

Help make White House Conference on Food and Nutrition a reality!

2009-04-10T09:44:00.000-07:00

ANSA is thrilled to announce that Representatives James McGovern and Jo Ann Emerson have recently re-introduced legislation calling for a White House Conference on Food and Nutrition to be held by December 31, 2010. We have long-advocated for such a conference to address how the United States will meet the nutritional needs of the more than 36 million Americans who experience food insecurity –

Action Alert: Urge your legislators to support the House Proposed Budget for HIV/AIDS!

2009-04-01T13:18:00.000-07:00

The Washington State House and Senate just came out with their proposed budgets last week, and it is imperative that we make our voices heard immediately and give input to our legislators as they begin to discuss these proposals.Email your state Senator and Representatives today to urge them to support the House Proposed Budget for HIV/AIDS!Click HERE to participate in this advocacy campaign!

Budget update from Lifelong's lobbyist, Carey Morris

2009-03-31T15:31:00.001-07:00

To begin with this is my very first time writing anything for a blog. Be patient with me. I am a working Mom with two little kids I barely have time to check my email much less participate in the online world. That said, I am so excited to have the opportunity to thank everyone who came to Olympia in February to participate in A3D. It is one of my favorite days down here (that and potato day,

Voices in Action: Strengthening HIV/AIDS Community Leadership

2009-03-24T19:44:00.000-07:00

*Please note: date and time changed from original post!It's now been over a month since AIDS Awareness & Action Day, and the escalating $9 billion state budget deficit has made the fight to save HIV/AIDS services in Washington State tougher every day.Want to stay involved and continue to build your advocacy skills? Come add your voice to the discussion about how we can work together to protect

Great Seattle P-I article about Bailey-Boushay House

2009-03-23T10:22:00.000-07:00

Check out this article about Bailey-Boushay House just published by the Seattle Post-Intellingencer:Nursing home for AIDS patients faces funding crisisPlease take a few moments to call your state senator and representatives to let them know that funding for Bailey-Boushay House is critical for those who depend upon its services.You can ook up your legislators' contact information here:

Check out our A3D picture from the Senate floor!

2009-03-19T11:16:00.001-07:00

Look at all those beautiful and amazing advocates who came to AIDS Awareness & Action Day! Thank you, Sen. Murray's office, for providing us with this picture!If you would like an electronic copy of this photo, please email bonniel@llaa.org. Sign Up To Get Updates By Email & Join Us On Facebook - Twitter - Myspace

Speak up NOW to protect HIV/AIDS services in Washington State!

2009-03-17T16:02:00.000-07:00

Our work has only just begun! Urge your state legislators to protect funding for HIV/AIDS services in Washington State!Even if you weren't able to join us in person for AIDS Awareness and Action Day, you can still tell your state legislators that you support HIV/AIDS care, treatment, support services and prevention.With just the click of a button, you can take action and send an email to your

Attend a town hall meeting this weekend!

2009-03-13T10:57:00.000-07:00

Attend a Town Hall Meeting with Your State Legislators!Many state legislators will be holding "town hall" meetings this weekend to talk about the state budget deficit and other legislative issues. Legislators pay close attention to the number of constituents who show up and express concern about each issue, so please take this opportunity to speak up!Plan to attend your local meeting if you can,

Action Alert - Support passage of the Omnibus Appropriations Bill!

2009-03-06T11:55:00.000-08:00

Urgent action alert from AIDS Action in Washington, D.C.! Call Your Senators TODAY!Urge them to Pass the Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Bill to secure critical increases to HIV programs and funding for a National AIDS Strategy.The Senate is currently considering the Fiscal Year 2009 (FY09) Omnibus legislation. This Omnibus Appropriations Bill includes funding for the majority of domestic

Equality Day 2009

2009-03-04T14:43:00.000-08:00

Mark March 12, 2009 on your calendar now for Equality Day in Olympia! Equality Day 2009 will be an opportunity for Washingtonians—gay and straight--to gather together in Olympia and lobby our legislators in support of full marriage equality, expanded rights for registered domestic partners, safer schools, preserving HIV/AIDS services and prevention funding, and other issues of importance to the

A3D Evaluations and Surveys

2009-02-25T14:55:00.000-08:00

Did you participate in AIDS Awareness & Action Day, but not have a chance to submit feeback or surveys? It's not too late!Provide feedback! If you weren't able to submit an A3D evaluation form at the event, take a few moments to complete our A3D 2009 Evaluation so we can make our 2011 event an even better experience!Who participated in A3D? If you did not sumit an Anonymous Participant Survey

HIV/AIDS Providers' Letter to the Governor and House & Senate Leaders

2009-02-23T11:24:00.000-08:00

Many of you have requested a copy of the letter read at our Closing Ceremonies by Tim Killian, brother of Rob Killian, MD. Below, please find the sign on letter supported by various members of the HIV/AIDS provider community. This letter was included in each legislative visit and is a heartfelt and concerned stance on the issues at hand with the proposed budget cuts. Please join me in thanking

THANK YOU FOR MAKING A DIFFERENCE! The fight is far from over!

2009-02-23T10:51:00.000-08:00

We want to extend a big round of thanks to all of you who came from across the state to attend and support A3D! Thanks also for all the emails and posts from those not able to make it in person. Thanks to you, we had our largest participation ever and created HUGE awareness and presence with legislators. It was a productive day despite the cloud of more disappointing news about the larger deficit

AIDS Awareness & Action Day Pictures Uploaded

2009-02-21T22:39:00.000-08:00

You can see the entire album on the Facebook PageSign Up To Get Updates By Email & Join Us On Facebook - Twitter - Myspace

AIDS Awareness & Action Day Big Success

2009-02-19T20:29:00.000-08:00

A LETTER FROM DAVID RICHART, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF LIFELONG AIDS ALLIANCEFriends and Supporters of Lifelong AIDS Alliance,Wednesday, February 18 was AIDS Awareness and Action Day (A3D), our advocacy day at the state capitol. We were fortunate to have 325 attendees representing 43 of 49 districts across Washington. The purpose of A3D was for participants in our state, both those living with HIV/

Speaker of the House Frank Chopp

2009-02-18T14:29:00.001-08:00

Seattle 43rd Meeting with Senator Murray

2009-02-18T13:02:00.001-08:00

Marching to the Capitol

2009-02-18T12:50:00.001-08:00

Seattle Capitol Hill 43rd District at A3D

2009-02-18T10:44:00.000-08:00

AIDS Action Day with the Seattle 43rd District

45 of 49 districts represented at A3D

2009-02-18T09:47:00.000-08:00

Registration at A3D in Olympia

9:30AM ASPEN at AIDS Action Day

2009-02-18T09:40:00.001-08:00

Good questions from event participants:

2009-02-15T14:41:00.000-08:00

Q: How do you request reimbursement for carpooling?A: Good question. We will be able to provide carpooling reimbursements based on your gas receipts, under the condition that at least two other event participants ride in your car. During the event you’ll be able to stop by the resource table in the Legislative Building on the third floor where you can pick up an envelope already addressed for

Issue # 3: HIV Prevention

2009-02-12T16:38:00.000-08:00

HIV Prevention Saves Lives and Money Maintaining Our Commitment to Healthy IndividualsA record number of the Washington State residents, between 11,000 and 12,000, are living with HIV/AIDS today; 10-15% of them do not know their HIV positive status. AIDS Omnibus Act -funded HIV prevention programs seek to educate people who are HIV positive, to encourage HIV testing among individuals unaware of

Issue # 2: Preserving Nutrition Services for People Living with HIV/AIDS

2009-02-12T14:52:00.000-08:00

Preserve: $500,000 Nutrition Services Investment for People Living with HIV/AIDSLifelong AIDS Alliance’s Chicken Soup Brigade provides nutrition services to low-income people living with HIV/AIDS in King, Snohomish, Kitsap and Pierce Counties. Over the last year we served 1,445 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and other life-threatening conditions, and produced 171,141 meals and 38,481 grocery

Issue # 1: Restore $3M for EIP

2009-02-12T14:11:00.001-08:00

Early Intervention Program Saves Washington MoneyMedication and Insurance Assistance for People Living with HIV/AIDSAn HIV diagnosis opens the door to a complicated world of medical terms, drub regimens, insurance rules, and personal change. If the newly diagnosed person isn’t already in a low-income category, HIV likely puts them on the road to it. The cost of care can be financially

Student educators rally to help educate lawmakers

2009-02-10T10:55:00.000-08:00