Couldn't Trek to Springfield? Be an Armchair Advocate for 2009 HIV/AIDS Lobby Days!

TAKE ACTION: Demand Sound Healthcare for All

Tell your state legislators to vote “YES” on four bills that would help tens of thousands of uninsured Illinoisans obtain the healthcare they need to survive.

Faxes are needed TODAY to state senators and representatives urging them to support legislation that would help all people – including those living with HIV and other chronic medical conditions, afford health insurance. Despite the economic downturn, the HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to spread statewide with a disproportionate impact on communities of color. While President Barack Obama is pressing for national healthcare reform, Illinoisans need to continue to engage state officials for state-sponsored solutions to the healthcare crisis across our state.

TAKE ACTION NOW!

Going Where No State Has Gone Before

More than 150 advocates from across Illinois gathered in Springfield March 3 and 4 for the 9th Annual Illinois HIV/AIDS Lobby Days. Building on a “Star Trek” theme dubbed State Trek, advocates geared up to boldly go where no state has gone before. The two action-packed days of events highlighted the issues and practical solutions that state lawmakers can take to stop the spread of HIV and improve general access to healthcare. With the eye-catching State Trek logo stickers proudly displayed, advocates asked General Assembly members to support sound HIV/AIDS policy in the 2009 Illinois legislative session.

On Tuesday March 3, advocates gathered in the Abraham Lincoln Hotel in Springfield for lunch, followed by an Advocacy 101 training led by AFC’s Pete Subkoviak, Policy Associate, and Jessica Terlikowski, Policy Manager. The intermediate training focused on the four main issues of this year’s Lobby Days, and how to effectively discuss them with legislators.

For past participants, there was an advanced communication training led by John Peller, Director of Government Relations, and Jim Pickett, Director of Advocacy, where they reviewed best practices for telling your personal story when talking to the media.

View slide presentation from the Advocacy 101 training

Later that evening, participants reconvened for a dessert reception honoring this year’s winners of the Hector Hernandez Scholarship and the Mary Dixon Award for exemplary HIV/AIDS advocacy.

Read more about this year’s awardees here

On Wednesday March 4, Lobby Days participants rallied in front of the Lincoln Statue at the State Capitol in Springfield to raise awareness about the ongoing HIV/AIDS epidemic in Illinois and legislation needed to address it. Following the rally, advocates put their lobbying skills to work by approaching their various legislators at the rail in the Capitol.

Can’t make it to Springfield? TAKE ACTION from home

View photos from Lobby Days

This year, AIDS advocates are asking their state legislators for support on these specific issues:

• Secure healthcare coverage for all Illinoisans, including people living with HIV/AIDS. READ FACTSHEET
• Expand access to Narcan—a safe, effective, and low-cost prescription drug used to reverse overdoses caused by drugs such as heroin, methadone or OxyContin. READ FACTSHEET
• Protect youth against HIV through targeted HIV prevention, voluntary testing, and care services. READ FACTSHEET
• Maintain committment to fund essential HIV prevention and care services. READ FACTSHEET

HIV/AIDS Lobby Days was made possible by the generous support of the following sponsors:Boeringher-Ingelheim, Carolyn Grisko & Associates, Gilead Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer Inc. Our thanks to them for making this important event possible.

RELATED RESOURCES

2009 Policy Priorities

See Photos from 2009 Lobby Days

Legislative Briefing and Advocacy 101 Slides

Advanced Communications Training Slides

Read Lobby Days 2009 Talking Points

FACTSHEETS

Expand healthcare coverage

Prevent Drug Overdoses

Protect Youth from HIV

Maintain HIV/AIDS Services