30th Anniversary of AIDS

30th Anniversary of AIDS
Sunday, June 5, is the 30th anniversary of AIDS. On that day in 1981 the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) first reported on symptoms of the virus in its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). While much progress has been made in combatting the epidemic over the last three decades, must work remains. It continues to infect 56,000 and kill 18,000 people in the U.S. every year. NMAC continues its dedication to the struggle and its constituents and appreciates all of your support in that fight.

Read NMAC’s statement on the anniversary here »

Congressional Budget Battle
On Wednesday, May 25, the Senate held votes on four proposed budgets for the 2012 fiscal year, including the plan proposed by House Budget Chair Paul Ryan (R-WI). Chairman Ryan’s controversial plan, which passed the House of Representatives in April, would overhaul Medicare and Medicaid, essentially turning Medicare into a voucher program and Medicaid into block grants. All four budget proposals failed, including the Ryan plan by a vote of 40-57.

NMAC will continue to monitor Congressional actions related to next year’s budget and will keep its constituents updated on any important developments.

Read NMAC’s statement on Chairman Ryan’s budget proposal here »

HRSA Updates Housing Policy
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has released final guidance on housing-related expenditures under the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program. HRSA had previously proposed instituting at 24-month lifetime cap on the use of Ryan White funding for housing. After a review, they have decided to not enforce this cap.

Thanks to the aggressive advocacy by AIDS housing consumers and supporters across the country and including several members of Congress since 2007, this comprehensive review by the HRSA has resulted in the recommended issuance of a revised Ryan White Housing Policy guidance. This notice:

• Expands on how funds received under the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program may be used for housing referral services or short-term or emergency housing;

• Stipulates that housing funds cannot be used for direct cash or mortgage payments;

• Maintains that Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program must be used to supplement, but not supplant funds currently being used from local, state, and federal agency programs;

• Recommends that local decision making planning bodies, i.e. Part A and Part B, institute their own housing assistance duration limits;

• Encourages grantees to develop mechanisms of allowing new clients access to housing services;
• Requires that grantees must provide HAB with an individualized written housing plan consistent with this Housing Policy, upon request; and

• Stipulates housing-related expenses are limited to Ryan White Part A, Part B, and Part D.

About NMAC
The National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC) builds leadership within communities of color to address challenges of HIV/AIDS. Since 1987, NMAC has advanced this mission through a variety of programs and services, including: a public policy education program, national and regional training conferences, a treatment and research program, numerous publications and a website: https://www.nmac.org/.

Today, NMAC is an association of AIDS service organizations providing valuable information to community-based organizations, hospitals, clinics and other groups assisting individuals and families affected by the AIDS epidemic. NMAC’s advocacy efforts are funded through private funders and donors only.

For more information, contact NMAC directly at (202) 483-NMAC (6622) or communications@nmac.org.

About NMAC on the Hill
NMAC wants to make sure that our constituents are up to date on the latest activities in Congress and around Washington, DC that affect HIV/AIDS programs, funding, and the broader movement. To accomplish this, we will be sending regular updates on legislation, meetings and other happenings in the nation’s capital to keep you informed on what matters to our community.

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