The Priorities & Planning Commission of the Los Angeles County Commission on HIV met on Tuesday, June 23rd, to re-evaluate its prior recommendation to get rid of fedeal Ryan White CARE Act funding for food pantry programs and treatment education services for low income people living with HIV/AIDS in Los Angeles County.
With the help of the clients and staff from APLA, the committee has voted to reverse its recommendation and instead maintain a federal funding allocation for nutritional support programs, including NOLP. The committee has also proposed that the commission begin a complete analysis of Los Angeles County's available food resources to verify the quality and quantity of food alternatives, in case funding be reduced or eliminated in the future.
Unfortunately, the committee also voted not to change its decision to defund treatment education programs, stating that such services are already provided by case managers, doctors, and pharmacists. APLA's treatment educators act as a fundamental link between clients and care, and many times serve as the first point of entry for people not currently accessing services.
Tuesdays vote is not binding. Instead, it reflects a new recommendation to the full commission, which will discuss the issue again at its July 9th meeting. We will continue to advocate for each of our programs, and we invite you to join us at the upcoming meeting.
No comments:
Post a Comment