AIDS Watch Ohio
Modeled after the AIDS Watch program produced by the National Association of People With AIDS, AIDS Watch Ohio, is a statewide advocacy effort sponsored by the Ohio AIDS Coalition. AIDS Watch Ohio is a unique opportunity for people to visit with elected officials to advocate for a solid commitment to HIV/AIDS programs. OAC believes that Ohio’s elected officials must hear from people living with HIV/AIDS and their allies about the importance of local, state and federal funding for HIV/AIDS services.
AIDS Watch Ohio - 2008
This year’s AIDS Watch Ohio, held on April 16th, brought together 18 people living with HIV/AIDS, case managers, and community activists in what was a successful statewide advocacy day. Prior to the legislative visits, participants were trained in lobbying etiquette and educated on the issues (comprehensive sex education, HIV/AIDS in 2008, and access to HIV/AIDS medications in Ohio). Starting the day at the YWCA with breakfast and last-minute role plays, four teams set out for their scheduled visits with state senators and representatives. Teams made a total of 21 visits to such legislators as Speaker of the House Jon Husted, Ranking Minority Leader Senator Ray Miller, Representative Michael Skindell, and Senator Steve Stivers to name a few.
Special thanks to GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, and the AIDS Foundation of Chicago for contributing to OAC’s efforts.
Given the success of AIDS Watch Ohio 2008, the Ohio AIDS Coalition is planning a larger AIDS Watch Ohio program in 2009. Next year’s program hopes to bring together over 50 people living with HIV/AIDS, case managers, and other community members in a much larger advocacy effort. With the state budget in target, lobbying efforts will be more concentrated as the needs of the HIV/AIDS community are brought to the forefront. Stay tuned for more information about AIDS Watch Ohio 2009.
To maintain advocacy efforts, the Ohio AIDS Coalition encourages everyone to register to vote if you haven’t done so already. The result of this year’s election (November 4th) has the potential to greatly affect the lives of people with HIV/AIDS, but we each must do our part to make that change happen. To find out if you are registered to vote, contact your local Board of Elections – check out the Secretary of State’s website: http://www.sos.state.oh.us/ for more voting information.
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