RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina AIDS Action Network is urging its supporters this week to speak out against proposed cuts to the state’s AIDS Drug Assistance Program.
Final negotiations and decisions on the upcoming state budget are expected at the state legislature this week. Gov. Pat McCrory recommended cutting $8 million for in AIDS drug funding. A Senate version of the budget item does not cut the funding.
The program is funded jointly be state and federal dollars. It is designed to assist low-income residents with purchasing medications that treat HIV. To be eligible for the program, individuals must have an HIV diagnosis and a gross income at or below 300 percent of federal poverty level.
The state’s ADAP program has seen significant challenges over the past several years, with long waiting lists for enrollment.
The North Carolina AIDS Action Network issued an action alert this morning.