In order to continue the progress we have made over the past decades in the HIV/AIDS movement, leaders of five national non-partisan health organizations have announced a collaborative, strategic partnership aimed at bolstering ongoing efforts to advocate for HIV and STD programs and appropriations.

AIDS United (AU), NASTAD, the National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD), NMAC, and The AIDS Institute (TAI) have been working in partnership since the November election to identify and share resources to sustain successes and progress we have made in HIV and STD prevention, care and treatment in the United States. The resounding calls in our communities for unity and collaboration in this time of political change, and following a highly attended joint event for stakeholders that the organizations hosted on November 16, encouraged the formation of this new collaborative partnership that has also led to the securing of a shared lobbying resource.

The partnership is a first-ever for these five organizations; each collaborating organization will maintain its individual mission, structure and advocacy efforts and will continue utilizing their unique skills to promote their constituents’ policy interests. This partnership will enhance, not replace, existing efforts of the individual organizations or coalitions.

Uncertainty about the new Congress and Administration’s plans for health care under the Affordable Care Act are causing worry and concern for people living with HIV, our organizations’ constituents, our partners, and HIV health providers across the U.S. This partnership will work with policymakers and others to preserve HIV legislative successes, promote necessary appropriation and funding levels, address retaining crucial aspects of existing health care coverage, including the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid, and work to continue the progress we have made on HIV and STD prevention, treatment, care, and support.

The collaborators are committed to ensuring a united approach to using and directing their shared lobbying resource and to ensure that this approach is coordinated with, and not duplicative of, other efforts. The five organizations will continue seeking additional ways to promote unity and identify necessary shared resources to support the national HIV and STD policy agenda.

Click here for a PDF of the statement.