World AIDS Day
2005
December 1, 2005
Dear Senator/Representative:
I am writing on behalf of the National Association of Social
Workers (NASW) to inform you of World AIDS Day, which will
be observed December 1, 2005. As the largest organization
of professional social workers (more that 150,000 members)
in the United States, NASW seeks to enhance the effective functioning
and well-being of individuals, families, and communities through
its advocacy and work.
The theme for World AIDS Day 2005 is Stop AIDS. Keep
the Promise. This is a reminder to the 189 accountable
countries that have adopted the UN Declaration of Commitment
on HIV/AIDS (including the United States), of the pledge
and dedication they have made toward ending the HIV/AIDS
pandemic for the 40.3 million people infected worldwide. This
is a feat that cannot be accomplished solely by people living
with HIV/AIDS; this is about the livelihood of the human
race and should involve people from all walks of life.
With World AIDS Day rapidly approaching, let us be reminded
of how vital United States legislation, such as the Ryan White
Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act, is to people
living with HIV/AIDS. Individuals with HIV/AIDS are
living longer lives; the Ryan White CARE Act must be fully
funded in order to sustain such gains in the fight against
this deadly disease. As a payer of last resort, the CARE
Act alleviates stress due to gaps in coverage by Medicare,
Medicaid, private insurance, and other publicly financed healthcare
systems.
NASW fully supports the vision of World AIDS Day 2005. In
addition to observing this occasion, we ask that you carefully
consider the domestic reauthorization of the Ryan White CARE
Act. Thank you for taking the time to address this health
crisis. If you have any questions about World AIDS Day
or how the reauthorization of the Ryan White CARE Act may affect
your constituents, please do not hesitate to contact Evelyn
Tomaszewki, NASW senior policy associate, at etomasze@naswdc.org or
(202)-408-8600 ext. 390.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Clark, PhD, ACSW, MPH
Executive Director |
About
NASW