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Log Cabin Republicans Mark World AIDS Day as ADAP Waiting Lists Grow

December 1, 2010

(Washington, DC) - Log Cabin Republicans note the passing of yet another World AIDS Day with hope for the future but concerns about current levels of prevention and treatment funding. Log Cabin joins today with Republican Senators Mike Enzi of Wyoming and Richard Burr of North Carolina in calling for a solution to the persistent problem of waiting lists for life-saving HIV/AIDS treatment.

"On this World AIDS Day, we recognize the hard work and dedication of the millions of people around the globe fighting this devastating disease," said United States Senator Mike Enzi. "At home and abroad, we must live up to our commitment to provide life-saving treatment to the individuals with HIV/AIDS. Today there are over 4,100 Americans on patient waiting lists and that is unacceptable. It is our responsibility to find a permanent solution to eliminating waiting lists once and for all. The fight against this global epidemic requires the commitment of every nation. We have made progress, and we must not waver in our response. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the next Congress to dramatically improve our domestic and international response to HIV/AIDS. I am open to all ideas to find a permanent fix to ADAP waiting lists and I hope that we can put aside politics to find a solution to this life threatening problem."

Senator Richard Burr states, "While we observe World AIDS Day, we must recommit ourselves to the fight against this disease here at home and acknowledge the work that remains to be done. I have long been a proud supporter of the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP); however, sadly today, nine states - including North Carolina - have ADAP waiting lists with thousands of individuals waiting for life-saving treatment. Every day that a patient waits to enroll in these life-saving programs threatens their health and overall quality of life. This is simply unacceptable. I remain committed to ensuring HIV/AIDS patients across North Carolina and our nation have access to the life-saving treatment they need."

"In observation of World AIDS Day, the most effective way for the United States to continue President George W. Bush's commitment toward eradication of the HIV/AIDS epidemic is to do exactly what the president suggested, and continue to 'alleviate human suffering and show compassion," said R. Clarke Cooper. "Such relief and compassion is best achieved by addressing the ADAP access emergency and to continue to support PEPFAR styled initiatives ensuring the United States remains the global leader combating HIV/AIDS."