Dear Editor:
We need your help. As you may or may not be aware, since the beginning of the AIDS epidemic, Hudson County has consistently ranked in the top 5 percent per capita of the infection in the US. It is estimated that 6,000 men, women and children are infected and directly affected here in Hudson County.
We have a chance to represent our community in Washington, D.C. at the AIDSWatch 2003 where we will be joining other advocates from across the US. It is here we have the opportunity to lobby with our congressional leaders for vital funds needed for prevention, education, are and treatment for the thousands of human beings in Hudson County living with this scourge.
We will meet with our legislators to voice our needs for proper funding to continue the fight against AIDS in these troubling times. We cannot forget our own crisis which has terrorized Hudson County for over 20 years. This crisis has not relented and cannot be put on the back burner. We need to unite with one strong voice in support of a solid federal commitment to AIDS health care and programs to assist those living with this virus.
Last year through donations and contributions we were able to send nine well informed and vocal consumers (people living with AIDS) to the AIDSWatch 2002 Conference where they made their voices heard. Feed back from other state representatives gave us positive praise with regard to the work of our Ryan White Planning Council and our Grantee, the County Executive and the Dept. Of Health and Human Services.
This year we would like to increase the number of consumer attending. Our target is to raise enough funds to have between 10 and 15 consumers attend. The approximate cost per person for this three day conference is about $500 to cover the transportation, lodging and meals. We would like to encourage those who are able to sponsor a consumer but any donation would be extremely beneficial in helping us to achieve our goal. Although the Consumer Committee is a part of the Hudson County HIV/AIDS Services Planning Council, no Ryan White funds can be used for the purpose of lobbying; therefore, all costs related to this event have to be obtained through this fund raising campaign. All checks should be made out to the “Hudson County Food and Shelter Coalitions” and earmarked “AIDSWatch 2003” and mailed to Marvin W. Krieger, Director, Hudson County HIV/AIDS Services Planning Council, 574 Summit Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07306, 201-795-4555, ext. 212.
We thank you for your time and consideration.
Donna S. and Valerie J.
For the Consumers of Hudson County