Your Voice Can Save Lives: A 5-Minute Guide to Protecting HIV Services
Friends,
Right now, a critical lifeline for our nation-wide and local community is under threat. Federal funding for Medicaid, which supports community health centers that are vital to LGBTQ+ people and those living with HIV, is at risk of being cut. This isn't just a headline—it's a direct threat to our ability to prevent new HIV infections and provide lifesaving care.
But we have the power to stop this. Our elected officials in Washington, D.C. need to hear from us, and I'm going to show you exactly how to make sure they do.
Why This Matters: The Lifeline of Community Health Centers
Think about incredible places like Radiant Health Centers. For years, they have been on the front lines, providing services that are essential for our community's health and well-being. This is where Medicaid funding goes to work. It pays for:
HIV Prevention: This includes access to PrEP, the once-a-day pill that is highly effective at preventing HIV. Cutting funding means fewer people can access this game-changing medication.
HIV Treatment and Care: For people living with HIV, consistent treatment is key. Modern medicine can make the virus "undetectable," which means it cannot be transmitted to others. This is how we stop the spread. This funding ensures that people can get the medication they need to stay healthy, live long lives, and prevent the progression to AIDS.
Essential Health Services: These centers are a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community to receive testing, counseling, and other critical healthcare services without fear of judgment.
Losing this funding would be catastrophic. It would mean more new HIV infections, and it would put the health of thousands of people currently living with HIV at risk. We cannot let that happen.
How to Find Your Reps in Under 60 Seconds
Your voice is most powerful when you direct it to the people who represent you. It’s their job to listen. Finding them is incredibly simple.
Step 1: Find Your House Representative
Your Representative is based on your specific address and zip code.
Go to the official website: house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
Enter your zip code in the search box.
That's it! You'll see the name and contact information for your Representative.
Step 2: Find Your Two U.S. Senators
Every state has two Senators who represent the entire state.
Go to the official website: senate.gov/senators/senators-by-state.htm
Click on your state from the list.
You will see the names and contact information for both of your Senators.
Take Action Now: Send the Letter
Now that you know who to contact, it's time to speak up. I have prepared a form letter that you can send to make it easy.
[Link to Your Form Letter Here]
Sending this letter tells your representatives that you are a constituent who cares deeply about this issue. It tells them that you vote, and that you demand they protect the health of our community by ensuring continued Medicaid funding for these vital services.
Your action today can ensure that centers like Radiant Health continue their incredible work. It can keep someone on their medication. It can help someone access PrEP and remain HIV-negative. Your voice has the power to save lives.
Thank you for being an upstander and an advocate. There is no power of one when it comes to our legislature - they need to see large number of constituents care about this issue - please act now before it is too late.