EXCITING NEWS!!!! The US Senate Appropriations Committee has released its final Fiscal Year 2015 bill. On page 39 of the bill summary, it explicitly states that the committee rejects the consolidation of Ryan White Parts C and D as proposed by the administration. YAY!!! Though this bill still has to go before the house, this is extremely promising news. Thanks to all of you, we are one step closer to saving Ryan White Part D! And with that good news, I need to plead for your help. People living with HIV need the vital services provided by program such as Ryan White Part D. However, HIV acceptance is also a crucial need. HIV stigma is still rampant, even in 2014. Stigma hurts people – not only my family, but also many of the loved ones and friends of the 35 million people living with HIV around the globe. The impact of stigma is devastating. Among other things, it can result in sub-optimal health outcomes, impaired mental health, and challenges adhering to a medication regimen. People with HIV are PEOPLE just like anyone else. They are #NotYourInfection!!! Would you please support a new petition that is determined to create and pass Mina’s Law to end HIV stigma in the wording of US laws? It is named after a phenomenal preteen who is living with HIV and who wants her community to be treated with respect. This newly launched petition currently has less than 300 signatures; if even half of you would sign it, what a strong message it would send to our lawmakers! Can I count on your help? Please see the link below to the petition and take just a minute to sign! Thank you for helping to show the world that people with HIV are #NotYourInfection! https://www.change.org/p/douglas-m-brooks-msw-create-and-pass-mina-s-law-because-people-with-hiv-are-notyourinfection