As the Ryan White program has been a decades-long lifeline for PLWHA, especially Part D (serving women, infants, children, youth, and caregivers), the proposed elimination/"consolidation of Part D into Part C" is disturbing.
It is NOT acceptable to place HIV+ individuals and families on the "chopping block" to save a buck.
We request an IMMEDIATE revision of the portion of the 2015 fiscal year budget, demanding:
-retention of ALL currently funded Part D agencies (NOT just the 67% with dual C & D funding);
-assurance of a meaningful future existence for programs servicing Part D populations;
-adequate funding to address the needs of these vulnerable communities.
Our families that are living with HIV deserve nothing less!
Respectfully, Morénike
On behalf of the Part D community