Support Nebraska AIDS Project during the first-ever Omaha Gives! Giving starts at midnight tonight and runs for 24 hours. Your donation will help us win a share of a $500,000 matching fund that will boost our abilities to fight HIV/AIDS through education to the community, supportive services for people living with HIV, and advocacy for sound public policy. Your donations also help us win prizes throughout the day that could help us win from another $65,000 pot of funding. For 24 hours, starting at midnight on the 22nd, we need your help!

A small group of state senators is blocking a vote on LB 577 that will help our working families get access to health care and boost our state’s economy. It’s time to make your voice heard!

Join us on the west steps of the State Capitol on Wednesday, May 15 at 5:30 p.m. for a public rally. Show legislators we stand with 54,000 uninsured Nebraskans and tell them LB 577 deserves a vote!

Please help spread the word and bring friends and family. Make a sign showing your support for LB 577.

Being there on May 15 could make all the difference! We have a real chance to do the right thing for uninsured Nebraskans and our state’s economy.

Click here to let us know you’re coming

The Situation

LB 577, the bill that would expand Medicaid coverage to over 54,000 uninsured, working Nebraskans, is stuck and cannot move forward until a small group of Nebraska State Senators, who oppose it, allow it to come to a vote!

Why LB577 is Important to People with HIV

There’s a catch 22 when it comes to HIV and Medicaid. Current law requires people living with HIV to wait until they are disabled by AIDS to qualify. Wouldn’t it make sense, and save a lot of money, if we treat people before they get disabled and keep them from becoming disabled? Early treatment is cost effective and prevents transmission.

Expanding Medicaid in Nebraska would be a major victory for people living with HIV and countless others who have been shut out of the current health insurance market.  Remember, LB 577 solves a cruel reality of the AIDS crisis by allowing Medicaid access to low-income, non-disabled people living with HIV.

ACT UP, FIGHT BACK, FIGHT AIDS

Twenty-five years ago, the HIV/AIDS community fought apathy, discrimination, and injustice by taking things into their own hands forming ACT UP, the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power.  They fought for recognition, for medication, for justice so family and friends would not have to die from AIDS.  They organized marches, rallies, sit-ins at the CDC, and spread the ashes of their loved ones on the White House lawn, paving the way for what we are so lucky to have now – science, treatment, housing, and healthcare to end AIDS.  We need to fight for the expansion of Medicaid.  Times are different.  Thanks to the work of ACT UP and the many people who fought against AIDS and created places like Nebraska AIDS Project, we have a place at the table, but that should not dilute our passion and conviction to ensure the most vulnerable receive care.  Contact your State Senator.  Tell them that the health and well being of over 54,000 uninsured, working Nebraskans is at stake here and they deserve a vote.  Demand a vote.

Wednesday is a day of action on LB 577.  Please contact your senator today!

Stand with 54,000 uninsured Nebraskans.  They deserve a vote.

Stand with our rural hospitals.  They deserve a vote.

Stand with working families.  They deserve a vote.

Stand with the 500 lives the Medicaid expansion will save each year.  They deserve a vote.

Stand with the people in your life and the hospitals and businesses in your community that could be helped by LB 577.

Take action through social media to get Senators to support LB 577 and thank the Senators that have championed the cause! (Via our friends at Nebraska Appleseed)

Contact your senator and tell them LB 577 needs to come to a vote. The message can be quick and simple.  Just tell them who you are, where you live, and that LB 577 deserves a vote.

Click here to find your state senator online

Sen. Greg Adams (402) 471-2756

Sen. Brad Ashford (402) 471-2622

Sen. Bill Avery (402) 471-2633

Sen. Dave Bloomfield (402) 471-2716

Sen. Kate Bolz (402) 471-2734

Sen. Lydia Brasch (402) 471-2728

Sen. Kathy Campbell (402) 471-2731

Sen. Tom Carlson (402) 471-2732

Sen. Ernie Chambers (402) 471-2612

Sen. Mark Christensen (402) 471-2805

Sen. Colby Coash (402) 471-2632

Sen. Danielle Conrad (402) 471-2720

Sen. Tanya Cook (402) 471-2727

Sen. Sue Crawford (402) 471-2615

Sen. Al Davis (402) 471-2628

Sen. Annette Dubas (402) 471-2630

Sen. Mike Gloor (402) 471-2617

Sen. Ken Haar (402) 471-2673

Sen. Galen Hadley (402) 471-2726

Sen. Tom Hansen (402) 471-2729

Sen. John Harms (402) 471-2802

Sen. Burke Harr (402) 471-2722

Sen. Sara Howard (402) 471-2723

Sen. Charlie Janssen (402) 471-2625

Sen. Jerry Johnson (402) 471-2719

Sen. Russ Karpisek (402) 471-2711

Sen. Bill Kintner (402) 471-2613

Sen. Rick Kolowski (402) 471-2327

Sen. Bob Krist (402) 471-2718

Sen. Tyson Larson (402) 471-2801

Sen. Steve Lathrop (402) 471-2623

Sen. Scott Lautenbaugh (402) 471-2618

Sen. Beau McCoy (402) 471-2885

Sen. Amanda McGill (402) 471-2610

Sen. Heath Mello (402) 471-2710

Sen. John Murante (402) 471-2725

Sen. John Nelson (402) 471-2714

Sen. Jeremy Nordquist (402) 471-2721

Sen. Pete Pirsch (402) 471-2621

Sen. Scott Price (402) 471-2627

Sen. Jim Scheer (402) 471-2929

Sen. Ken Schilz (402) 471-2616

Sen. Paul Schumacher (402) 471-2715

Sen. Les Seiler (402) 471-2712

Sen. Jim Smith (402) 471-2730

Sen. Kate Sullivan (402) 471-2631

Sen. Norm Wallman (402) 471-2620

Sen. Dan Watermeier (402) 471-2733

Sen. John Wightman (402) 471-2642

Your voice makes a difference.  Thank you so much for everything you have done and will do to end AIDS!

If you have questions, please contact Jordan Delmundo, Policy and Program Director, at 402-552-9269 x115 or jordand@nap.org

4/15/13 – Tomorrow the Nebraska State Legislature will begin floor debate on LB577, otherwise known as the Medicaid Expansion Bill. LB577 would expand health coverage to more than 54,000 uninsured, low-income Nebraskans, including many people living with HIV.

The people opposed to Medicaid Expansion have been saying Nebraska cannot afford the expansion. Bottom line is that the federal government will pay 100 percent of costs for expansion from 2014 through 2016 and phase down to 90 percent of costs by 2020. It’s codified – it’s the law. Those that argue against expansion saying “the expansion will will not be funded” have history against them. Historically all expansions of Medicaid have been funded. Contact your State Senators – tell them to support LB577 and grant access to healthcare to those who would otherwise be denied. Medicaid expansion makes sense for Nebraska and it’s an opportunity we cannot afford to pass up.

Why LB577 is Important to People with HIV

There’s a catch 22 when it comes to HIV and Medicaid. Current law requires people living with HIV to wait until they are disabled by AIDS to qualify. Wouldn’t it make sense, and save a lot of money, if we treat people before they get disabled and keep them from becoming disabled? Early treatment is cost effective and prevents transmission.

Expanding Medicaid in Nebraska would be a major victory for people living with HIV and countless others who have been shut out of the current health insurance market. LB577 solves one of the cruel realities of the AIDS crisis by allowing Medicaid access to low-income, non-disabled people living with HIV.

Expanded access to Medicaid coverage ensures that people living with HIV will have access to the reliable health coverage that they need to seek and maintain continuous care, without the stress of interruptions in their medical care caused by inadequate coverage or an inability to pay.

Today, around 50% of people with HIV are in regular medical care and only 25% are being effectively treated with HIV medications. Only around 13% of people living with HIV have private insurance coverage and nearly 25% are uninsured.

HERE’S OUR FACT SHEET ON LB577

LB577 is important for all Nebraskans

• At least 54,000 uninsured Nebraskans will gain health care coverage through Medicaid Expansion.
• The annual cost of uncompensated care for hospitals in Nebraska alone is over $888 million a year. That enormous cost is then passed on to Nebraskans with insurance and businesses in increased premiums.
• The federal government will pay 100% of the cost from 2014 to 2016, and will pay no less that 90% from 2020 forward.
• $2.9 to $3.5 billion would be returned to Nebraska’s economy in federal funds. Those funds will expand our economy and increase state revenues to offset the additional costs of Medicaid expansion.

What Can You Do?

Contact your Senator!!! It’s easy! Make a phone call or send an email to your Senator and ask them to support LB577. This is an opportunity for Nebraska to take the lead in the fight against HIV/AIDS and improve the health and well being for the working poor. Tell them this is a deal we cannot afford to pass up! Find their contact info here.

More ACA and Medicaid Information and Advocacy Tools are HERE

More news and analysis to follow. Please contact Jordan Delmundo, Policy and Program Director, at 402-552-9260 if you have questions.

Check out this video about Medicaid from Nebraska Appleseed!

Medicaid Works in Nebraska from Nebraska Appleseed on Vimeo.

3/19/13 – This morning the Health and Human Services Committee of the Nebraska State Legislature reported that they had voted to advance LB577, the Medicaid Expansion Bill, to general file and the floor of the legislature.  LB577 would expand health coverage to more than 54,000 uninsured, low-income Nebraskans, including many people living with HIV.

Why LB577 is Important to People with HIV

There’s a catch 22 when it comes to HIV and Medicaid.  Current law requires people living with HIV to wait until they are disabled by AIDS to qualify.  Wouldn’t it make sense, and save a lot of money, if we treat people before they get disabled and keep them from becoming disabled?  Early treatment is cost effective and prevents transmission.

Expanding Medicaid in Nebraska would be a major victory for people living with HIV and countless others who have been shut out of the current health insurance market.  LB577 solves one of the cruel realities of the AIDS crisis by allowing Medicaid access to low-income, non-disabled people living with HIV.

Expanded access to Medicaid coverage ensures that people living with HIV will have access to the reliable health coverage that they need to seek and maintain continuous care, without the stress of interruptions in their medical care caused by inadequate coverage or an inability to pay.

Today, around 50% of people with HIV are in regular medical care and only 25% are being effectively treated with HIV medications. Only around 13% of people living with HIV have private insurance coverage and nearly 25% are uninsured.

HERE’S OUR FACT SHEET ON LB577

LB577 is important for all Nebraskans

• At least 54,000 uninsured Nebraskans will gain health care coverage through Medicaid Expansion.
• The annual cost of uncompensated care for hospitals in Nebraska alone is over $888 million a year.  That enormous cost is then passed on to Nebraskans with insurance and businesses in increased premiums.
• The federal government will pay 100% of the cost from 2014 to 2016, and will pay no less that 90% from 2020 forward.
• $2.9 to $3.5 billion would be returned to Nebraska’s economy in federal funds.  Those funds will expand our economy and increase state revenues to offset the additional costs of Medicaid expansion.

What Can You Do?

Contact your Senator!!! It’s easy! Make a phone call or send an email to your Senator and ask them to support LB577.  This is an opportunity for Nebraska to take the lead in the fight against HIV/AIDS and improve the health and well being for the working poor. Tell them this is a deal we cannot afford to pass up!  Find their contact info here.

More ACA and Medicaid Information and Advocacy Tools are HERE

More news and analysis to follow. Please contact Jordan Delmundo, Policy and Program Director, at 402-552-9260 if you have questions.

Check out this video about Medicaid from Nebraska Appleseed!

Medicaid Works in Nebraska from Nebraska Appleseed on Vimeo.

We want to alert you to a situation that involves Nebraska AIDS Project that you might hear about in the media in the coming days and months.

Our staff discovered payments to questionable landlords in our rental assistance programs that date back three years.  As soon as it was uncovered, we immediately called the Nebraska State Patrol.  Investigators from that agency and the Secret Service are handling the case and we are referring all questions about it to them.

In addition, we also contacted the State of Nebraska who administers the programs to let people there know what’s going on.  Since then, we have been working with state officials to review procedures and ensure nothing like this can happen again.

We want you, our community partners, to know Nebraska AIDS Project meets or exceeds expectations and guidelines instituted by the State of Nebraska for these programs and have since instituted additional checks and balances, above what is required. It is also important to stress that because no arrests have been made as of this date, we cannot reveal the full details without jeopardizing the case.

Rest assured none of the money came from donations or fundraising efforts.  Nor is this having any effect on the care or services we’re providing our clients.  While this turn of events has deeply disappointed us, we remain focused on our mission: to fight to overcome HIV/AIDS and its stigma.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me.  We thank you for your continued support of NAP.

Sincerely,

J.J. Replogle                                                                       Ryan Ellis

Executive Director                                                           President, Board of Directors

On January 23rd, State Senator Ken Haar (Malcolm) introduced LB619, a bill to require medically accurate and age appropriate sex education in all Nebraska school districts.

Why is this important for Nebraska?

At the end of 2010, 31% of all new HIV diagnoses in Nebraska were people aged 13-24 and that percentage is absolutely unacceptable, especially because we know each new infection is 100% preventable.  Our students need comprehensive sex education and the consistent teaching of sex education topics to prevent new HIV infections.  Overall 25% of all new HIV diagnoses in the United States are people aged 13-29.

The CDC just published it’s latest surveillance report which shows that the highest rates of HIV infection tend to concentrated where sex education is lacking.  You can go to AIDVu.org to see an interactive online map illustrating the prevalence of HIV in Nebraska and anywhere in the United States.  Comprehensive sex education is necessary not only to reduce the number of new HIV infections among this group, but Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) diagnoses and unwanted pregnancies as well.

The overall lack of sexual health knowledge we experience in the public, especially with teenagers and college age students, is a tremendous barrier to ending the AIDS epidemic in the United States.  It is a constant frustration for all of us in HIV/AIDS field to witness so many young people diagnosed with an STD when STDs are 100% preventable.

Advocates for Youth – Comprehensive Sex Education: Research and Results Fact Sheet

We can’t afford to leave things as they are.  Douglas County has been buried in an STD epidemic for more than 10 years.  Something needs to be done and LB619 is something that can help.

What can you do?

Want to help? It’s easy! Send an email to the members of the Education Committee and ask them to advance LB619.  This is an opportunity for Nebraska to take the lead in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Tell them!  Find their contact info here. The hearing for LB 619 is scheduled for Tuesday, March 12th at 1:30pm in room 1525 of the Capitol.

We need support from Nebraskans, ESPECIALLY in rural areas, to call, write or email Senators to voice support for this bill.  There is plenty of urban support, but the battle will be won if rural Senators hear from constituents and can no longer deny the importance of sex ed in their communities.  It would be even better if there were parents from rural Nebraska willing to come testify at the hearing on the 12^th.  We know you’re out there – this recent poll shows the majority of Nebraska voters support comprehensive sex education.

More news and analysis to follow. Please contact Jordan Delmundo, Policy and Program Director, at 402-552-9260 if you have questions.

On January 23^rd, State Senator Kathy Campbell (Lincoln) introduced LB577, a bill to expand Medicaid to low-income Nebraskans as allowed in the federal healthcare law, the Affordable Care Act.  Senator Campbell, along will 11 other co-sponsoring Senators, wants to expand health coverage to the more than 54,000 uninsured, low-income Nebraskans, including many people living with HIV/AIDS.  Nebraska AIDS Project wants to thank Senator Campbell, and all her co-sponsors, for putting forth this legislation.  We urge you to contact your State Senator and ask them to support LB577. 

Find your Senator HERE.

Why LB577 is Important to People with HIV

There’s a catch 22 when it comes to HIV and Medicaid.  Current law requires people living with HIV to wait until they are disabled by AIDS to qualify.  Wouldn’t it make sense, and save a lot of money, if we treat people before they get disabled and keep them from becoming disabled?  Early treatment is cost effective and prevents transmission.

Expanding Medicaid in Nebraska would be a major victory for people living with HIV and countless others who have been shut out of the current health insurance market.  LB577 solves one of the cruel realities of the AIDS crisis by allowing Medicaid access to low-income, non-disabled people living with HIV.

Expanded access to Medicaid coverage ensures that people living with HIV will have access to the reliable health coverage that they need to seek and maintain continuous care, without the stress of interruptions in their medical care caused by inadequate coverage or an inability to pay.

Today, around 50% of people with HIV are in regular medical care and only 25% are being effectively treated with HIV medications. Only around 13% of people living with HIV have private insurance coverage and nearly 25% are uninsured.

HERE’S OUR FACT SHEET ON LB577

What Can You Do?

Want to help? It’s easy! Send an email to the members of the Health and Human Services Committee and ask them to advance LB577.  This is an opportunity for Nebraska to take the lead in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Tell them!  Find their contact info here.

The hearing for this bill is scheduled for 1:30pm on Thursday, February 28th.

More ACA and Medicaid Information and Advocacy Tools are HERE

More news and analysis to follow. Please contact Jordan Delmundo, Policy and Program Director, at 402-552-9260 if you have questions.

Check out this video about Medicaid from Nebraska Appleseed!

Medicaid Works in Nebraska from Nebraska Appleseed on Vimeo.

Omaha—About 700 people danced, donated and showed their support for the work being done by Nebraska AIDS Project.  The crowds packed the first floor of the Magnolia Hotel on Saturday, December 1st from 9:00 PM to 12:00 AM. Their generosity helped Night of A Thousand Stars raise more than $112,000!   The money will go towards helping people living with HIV/AIDS receive supportive services such as case management, personal care supplies and transportation assistance, as well as help NAP continue educating the community about HIV/AIDS prevention.

This gala event has helped raise more than $3,000,000 since its inception to provide services annually to nearly 1,000 persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families across Nebraska, southwest Iowa and eastern Wyoming.

As partygoers nibbled on an array of desserts donated by area pastry chefs, they also got a chance to bid on art donated by such recognized names as Thakoon Panichgul, Amanda Jones, John Prouty and Kristin Pluhacek.

Many of the featured artists, along with Mayor Jim Suttle, radio personality Dave Wingert, Anne and Mike Boyle and this year’s Shining Star recipient, Judy Sandeen of Hastings, were among the guests in the crowd.

“We are so grateful for the support of the companies and people in this community,” remarked J.J. Replogle, executive director.  “This money will make a big difference with our clients and our ability to care for them.”

“We wanted a fun night to celebrate the great work being done by the staff of NAP and to mark 20 years of Night of a Thousand Stars.  I think we accomplished both beautifully,” added Carol Wang, committee chair.

Sponsors of Night of a Thousand Stars included Lozier, ConAgra Foods, The Nebraska Medical Center, Cox, Ginger’s Hang-Up, The Holland Foundation, P.J. Morgan Real Estate, Methodist Hospital, Delinea Design, Mayor Jim Suttle, Hastings College, US Bank, Omaha GLBT Sports League, Good Samaritan Hospital-Kearney, Kiewitt, and UNMC.

*          *          *

Nebraska AIDS Project is the only organization providing comprehensive services to people in Nebraska, Southwest Iowa and Wyoming living with HIV and AIDS.  The organization also provides confidential testing of sexually transmitted diseases in response to an alarming rate of infection in our community.

JUDY SANDEEN: NEBRASKA AIDS PROJECT’S 2012 “SHINING STAR”

The Kearney office would like to share the highlights of the Night of a Thousand Stars Pre-party that took place on November 3^rd in Hastings to honor Judy Sandeen, our 2012 Shining Star, which was held at the Hastings Museum.

Approximately 150 guests enjoyed a formal dinner, live music, a fun photo booth, and the museum’s planetarium show for the evening which featured a star in the sky with Judy’s name on it. The Hastings PFLAG group organized a pantry drive honoring Judy and presented NAP with the generous proceeds at the reception.

Judy Sandeen of Hastings - 2012 Shining Star

Judy was presented with a brass and granite star which will be permanently placed on Hastings College campus as a reminder to everyone of Judy’s commitment over the years to educate students at the college and in her community.

Judy’s many contributions include: 29 years as director of Hastings College Campus Health Services; 21 years as advisor for the Hastings College student group known as the Peer HIV Education Organization, which she founded; 15 years as the advisor for Hastings College Alliance GLBT group; Board member for Hastings PFLAG organization; as well as active service on numerous committees and task forces in her community who focus on the fight against HIV and AIDS.

The evening was a great tribute to Judy and the valuable volunteer service she has given to NAP and to her community. We are so grateful to have Judy Sandeen volunteering here in Central Nebraska and proud to have her as NAP’s 2012 Shining Star.

Links to news feeds and news paper articles that ran about Judy as the 2012 Shining Star:

http://www.khastv.com/news/local/Honoring-a-Shining-Star-177129431.html

http://www.nebraska.tv/story/19996120/hastings-woman-receives-shining-star-award

http://www.theindependent.com/news/local/hastings-woman-is-shining-star-for-nebraska-aids-project/article_8dfffe4e-c039-5ed7-b1e6-1edcc65d1542.html

Election 2012 HIV/AIDS Information Guide

*Nebraska AIDS Project does not and cannot endorse any candidate or political party.  This information focuses only candidate positions as they pertain to HIV/AIDS issues and are provided for the consideration of those interested in HIV/AIDS issues.

Fact Sheets about the Affordable Care Act:

AIDS United: Affordable Care Act

HIV Health Reform: Affordable Care Act

Visit our Advocacy Tools page for more information about specific policies and how they affect HIV/AIDS.

If you have any questions contact NAP’s Policy Director, Jordan Delmundo, at 402.552.9260 or jordand@nap.org