A Call to Action - 2003 Massachusetts HIV/AIDS Policy Priorities

A CALL TO ACTION
2003 MASSACHUSETTS HIV/AIDS POLICY PRIORITIES

HIV Prevention Priorities

Increase access to sterile syringes.
Maintain confidential HIV counseling and testing programs, ensure proper implementation of new testing technologies, and offer HIV testing and counseling as well as treatment to pregnant women.
Increase collaborative prevention programs that target HIV-positive individuals and integrate care and prevention services.
Work towards providing substance abuse treatment on demand, including access to substitution therapy (methadone and buprenorphine).
Ensure comprehensive and medically accurate sex and health education in Massachusetts schools.

HIV Care Priorities

Maintain early intervention Medicaid access to HIV-positive, pre-disabled individuals through the HIV MassHealth program.
Promote ready access to HIV/AIDS care for MassHealth recipients by preventing the Division of Medical Assistance from instituting enrollment caps, increased co-pays and premiums, burdensome prior authorization mechanisms and eligibility restrictions, and unilateral decisions not to spend funds appropriated by the legislature for the HIV MassHealth program.
Promote access to affordable housing, transportation, nutritional services, and other essential supports for individuals living with HIV.

Public Health Priorities

Oppose legislation that endangers the health of people living with HIV/AIDS, mandates HIV testing, criminalizes HIV or
undermines public health efforts to prevent, identify and treat HIV infections.
Maintain our non-names based HIV reporting system.

	Nantucket AIDS Network 35 Old South Road Nantucket, Massachusetts 02554
	Phone: 508-228-3955 TTY/FAX: 508-325-7178 e-mail: Office@NantucketAids.org
e-mail addresses for specific staff members can be found on our directory page.