HIV State Funding
Investments in HIV Prevention and Services is Smart Public Policy
HIV rates are on the rise in Minnesota. In 2009, Minnesota experienced a 13 percent overall increase in new HIV infections. Government has a responsibility to the state's public health, and HIV is a public health issue. Investment in HIV prevention and services is smart public policy and saves taxpayers in the long run ensuring that people living with HIV receive necessary medical treatment and support, assisting them with living their lives to the fullest potential, and help prevent new HIV infections.
HIV Prevention Programs Can Save Taxpayer Dollars
Minnesota currently provides approximately $1.4 million for HIV prevention programming to targeted communities. In a cost–benefit analysis of HIV prevention programs, researchers found that the lifetime costs of caring for a person living with HIV are far greater than the funding needed to reach that same individual with prevention messages. The study found that even a greatly expanded HIV prevention program in the U.S. could pay for itself through savings in averted medical care costs. 1
Treatment and Services for People Living with HIV are Essential
Minnesota currently provides approximately $1.2 million per fiscal year for insurance premiums and case management program support. While HIV prevention programs are a public health priority, we must also commit to ensuring that people living with HIV receive the medical care and services they need. State resources currently fund important services for people living with HIV. This includes subsidized insurance premiums for low income, or uninsured individuals. Case management programs rely on state funds to help people living with HIV manage the disease and access services necessary for their health and well being. When HIV positive individuals learn their status, receive education about HIV and how it is transmitted, and begin to receive necessary medical care and support services, they are less likely to transmit the virus to others.
Take Action
Minnesota funds targeted HIV prevention programming and services for people living with HIV with state resources from the General Fund. These resources are vital to preventing new HIV infections and helping people living with HIV to do so with respect and dignity. In these difficult financial times, it is all the more important to invest in these vital programs. Please protect state resources for HIV prevention and services.
1 Holtgrave DR, Pinkerton SD, Merson M. Estimating the Cost of Unmet HIV–Prevention Needs in the United States. American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 2002 Jul;23(1):7–12.)
Contact Public Policy
Do you have questions related to HIV advocacy, voting, or the legislative process? Do you want to personally meet with your legistlators? If so, contact:
MAP Public Policy
Phone: 612–373–2437 |
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