As a non-profit organization, Heartland CARES, Inc. plays an important role
in educating local, state, regional and federal legislation on critical issues
concerning HIV/AIDS. Federal law allows all tax-exempt, 501c3 organizations
to engage in election-related and policy related activities as long as they
are nonpartisan and directed to all legislators or candidates from all parties.
Our Executive Director is the President and Co-Founder of the Kentucky HIV/AIDS
Advocacy & Action Group. Several employees are active members or have participated
in activities of this Group. Our Executive Director and one of the Doctor’s
who is on contract with Heartland CARES, Inc. are members of the Kentucky HIV/AIDS
Advisory Council. Our Executive Director is on the steering committee of the
Southern AIDS Coalition and the SAVE ADAP Group. Our role in these Groups is
to have an active voice in all policy and legislation that could affect the
lives of people who are living with HIV/AIDS, who are affected by HIV/AIDS,
or those at risk for HIV infection. As a community-based organization that
provides HIV services, we have valuable information that legislators need to
do their job concerning these issues.
How You Can Help Make A Difference
One of the most important actions you can take to end the HIV/AIDS crisis
is to learn about the issues and help advocate for HIV/AIDS. You can become
directly involved in policy making and learn to advocate effectively at the
local, state and federal levels of government by joining a respected advocacy
group. Your participation can be behind the scenes or out in the trenches,
as an active member or a silent member. If you want to get involved, begin
by researching the valuable opportunities and resources listed to increase
your knowledge and success as a grassroots advocate. Each resource provides
important policy information, internet links, and enrollment information. Your
involvement will help ensure that, as we begin the third decade of the AIDS
crisis, political interest and attention to AIDS issues will be heard and important
programs such as the Ryan White CARE Act, the AIDS Drug Assistance Program,
the Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS program and the Congressional
Black Caucus/Minority HIV/AIDS Initiative are available for years to come.
Remember…one voice can make a difference and together we can make an
even bigger difference to end the human suffering caused by HIV/AIDS.
The Kentucky HIV/AIDS Advocacy & Action Group
You can also download this brochure here.
Requires the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Advocacy: Together We Can Make A Difference
