For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Justin Burke - 213.201.1525
AIDS PROJECT LOS ANGELES LAUDS
GOVERNOR’S BUDGET
INCREASES TO STATE HIV/AIDS PROGRAMS
Los Angeles, Calif., January 10, 2006 – AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) today applauded Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for proposing sufficient new funding for the state’s HIV/AIDS programs to maintain care, treatment and services at current levels. Announced this afternoon, the governor’s budget recommends $409.4 million for HIV treatment and prevention programs, with approximately $174.9 million coming from the state’s general fund.
According to budget documents, the allocation represents a total increase of $24 million for the State Office of AIDS programs —an estimated 6.2 percent above the revised 2005-06 budget.
“There are now more people than ever living with HIV/AIDS in California and across the country,” said APLA Executive Director Craig E. Thompson. “Now is the time to redouble our efforts to keep this epidemic from spiraling out of control.”
Of the total allocation, 72 percent -- or some $296.4 million -- will go to the state’s AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). ADAP provides vital drug treatment to uninsured or underinsured low income Californians living with HIV/AIDS. Drugs provided by the ADAP have been shown to prolong quality of life and to delay the deterioration of health in individuals living with HIV.
“While federal funding for domestic HIV/AIDS is dropping, the governor’s budget acknowledges what we all know: that ADAP saves lives and saves the state money,” said Thompson. “This year’s funding increases will allow the state to maintain the ADAP formulary and meet increased demand for ADAP drugs.”
California’s ADAP is estimated to serve approximately
31,586 clients during the next fiscal year, a four percent increase over
the current year.
“The administration and the Office of AIDS should be commended for thinking
strategically in this budget,” Thompson said, “especially at a
time when many low-income people with HIV/AIDS and other disabilities are struggling
with the new Medicare Part D drug plan.
“We must ensure that every Californian with HIV/AIDS gets the drugs they need,” Thompson added. “This budget moves us in that direction.”
AIDS Project Los Angeles, one of the largest non-profit AIDS service organizations in the United States, provides bilingual direct services, prevention education and leadership on HIV/AIDS-related policy and legislation. Founded by four friends in 1982, APLA is a community-based, volunteer-supported organization with local, national and global reach. For more information, visit www.apla.org.
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