South Carolina ADAP Update
As of July 1, 2010 there were 187 people on SC’s ADAP Wait List.

We are averaging 12 new people a week!

SC's 2010-2011 Budget, finalized last week, contained non-reoccurring funds for ADAP within Part IV. With Veto # 107, Governor Sanford vetoed that ENTIRE section. The House sustained that veto, so Part IV died in the House and never made it to the Senate.

RESULT: Due to Veto #107, there will be less ADAP money to serve a growing need in Fiscal Year 2010-2011.

The House overrode a number of the Governor's other vetoes. These were sent to the Senate, which cast its final votes on Tuesday, June 29th. Elizabeth McLendon, the SC HIV/AIDS Task Force Legislative Liaison, reviewed the SC 2010-2011 Budget and has documented that within the Governor's Veto # 28, there appears to be an “undetermined” amount of reocurring ADAP support. This may have occurred due to its presence with other items that both the House and Senate wanted protected. Both the House and Senate chose to override Veto #28. We’re told that the “dust is still settling” as to exact ADAP funds available. SCDHEC sustained so many severe cuts throughout the agency that reworking its overall budget is now a major priority.

RESULT: We don't currently know the amount of the reoccurring ADAP dollars that remain.

South Carolina will continue to receive the federal ADAP allocation.

RESULT: Hallelujah! But see below for how we can all have a positive effect on the future of the federal ADAP program.

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OUR INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY:
On July 2, 2010, I received an official invitation from President Obama to attend a reception to honor the work of the HIV/AIDS community. The reception will be held at The White House on Tuesday, July 13, 2010.

We must not lose this unique opportunity to share our concerns with President Obama personally. I intend to hand deliver any letter provided by a consumer AND any physician, AIDS Director or advocate of any description, who will write to petition the President to provide the 126 million dollars needed to end the national ADAP Wait List. It is IMPERATIVE that I arrive with personal letters and/or photos (if available) of anyone in South Carolina, who is on the ADAP Wait List. PLEASE help enlist these people ASAP. Thank you!

We have been asked to partner in this effort to ensure that our President understands the depth of despair and hopelessness that is manifesting within our families, communities, and state. I depart on Monday, July 12, 2010, and ask that you contact me and/or Elizabeth McLendon by 9:30am Monday, July 12, 2010 if you are willing to write a personal letter and/or know someone who is willing to advocate for our state. We need to compile the letters first thing Monday morning.
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This opportunity may never come again! Let’s make sure that South Carolina is not left out again!

We will be in contact as more local information is confirmed.

Warmest Regards,
Bambi W. Gaddist-Chair SCHACCTF