Annual Report 2011 San Francisco AIDS Foundation

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Advocacy San Francisco AIDS Foundation is renowned for its leadership on public policy. That’s because our policy experts are among the most effective in the nation, advocating for fair, compassionate, and scientifically sound policies to fight HIV/AIDS across all levels of government. We also have some of the bravest clients in the nation working with us to share their stories with lawmakers so that people in power understand the impacts of their decisions. In 2011, we successfully prevented cuts to California’s AIDS Drug Assistance Program, a vital lifeline for thousands of HIV-positive people who need help accessing medications. We co-sponsored and helped pass game-changing legislation to allow all Californians to purchase up to 30 syringes at a pharmacy without a prescription, an important tool for stopping the spread of HIV and hepatitis C. At the national level, we led community efforts to modernize the distribution of resources through the Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA) program. We also worked closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to establish guidance on how to administer pre‑exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), in which HIV-negative people take antiretroviral medication daily to reduce their chances of becoming infected with HIV. Moving forward, we will work closely with the local, state, and federal governments to ensure people living with HIV/AIDS get the services they need as the Affordable Care Act is implemented. We will collaborate with the federal government to protect vital housing services and promote equity. We will push for new resources to expand access to HIV testing, encourage more frequent testing, and streamline linkages to HIV care. Most importantly, we will never stop providing a strong and effective voice for all people at risk for or living with HIV.

sfaf.org/policy-center

officials listen.

1995 The foundation joins the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center for the second California AIDS Ride

“Sumt’n ta say / behind our backs” is published, a cutting-edge resource guide for young gay men


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