Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1999. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
PRNewswire - October 12, 1999
"AB 155 and AB 136 are significant steps forward in our fight against HIV/AIDS and both represent good policy for the residents of the state of California. We look forward to their implementation," said Craig E. Thompson, APLA's Executive Director.
AB 155 (Migden) will allow disabled individuals, including those with AIDS, to return to work and maintain their health care benefits through the Medi-Cal program. "AB 155 will ensure that individuals living with AIDS can enter or reenter the workplace without compromising the access to care and treatment needed to maintain stable health and sustain their quality of life," said Thompson.
AB 136 (Mazzoni) will give local governments the option of setting up syringe exchange programs without fear of criminal prosecution. "When implemented, as a part of a comprehensive prevention program for injection drug users, needle exchange is one of our most effective HIV prevention options," said Thompson.
AB 103 (Migden), vetoed by Governor Davis, called for the state to implement an HIV surveillance system based on unique patient identifiers. HIV cases are currently not tracked in the state of California. Davis is looking for federal money to fund the costs of a non names-based unique identifier tracking system. "APLA urges implementation of a surveillance system using unique identifiers by January 1, 2001 -- the date called for in AB 103. We will work closely with the Governor, the State Department of Health Services, the State Legislature and the Centers of Disease Control to ensure funding to expeditiously implement such a system," said Thompson.
AIDS Project Los Angeles, a non-profit community-based organization, provides direct services to more than 8,000 men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS in Los Angeles County. Services include a food pantry, professional dental care, child care, transportation, mental health counseling, a Return to Work program and housing assistance. APLA also provides extensive treatment and prevention education and advocacy on local, state and federal AIDS-related legislation.
SOURCE AIDS Project Los Angeles
CONTACT: Nicole Russo-Okamoto, 323-993-1363, or John Garner, 323-993-1336, both of AIDS Project Los Angeles/
991012
PR991026
Copyright © 1999 - PRNewswire. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through PRNewswire, Permissions, 810 Seventh Ave., 32nd Floor, New York, NY 10019 http://www.prnewswire.com.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1999. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 1999. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .