Portland, OR | September 7, 2017

To Our Community:

As you know, there has been a lot of uncertainty in recent months about funding for health care, particularly at the national level. Threats of budget cuts for health care and prevention programs, attempts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, and other actions are causing worry among people living with HIV/AIDS who access these federally funded programs and services so they can stay healthy and vibrant.

We want to assure you that efforts are underway to protect existing programs and funding, and minimize the effects of these threats to health care services that protect the lives and well-being of Oregonians. To that end, we the undersigned organizations, which have a long history of collaboration, have formed the Coalition of Oregon HIV Community Organizations. The coalition meets regularly to monitor policy changes and collaborate on ways to preserve and protect access to health care and services for people in Oregon living with HIV/AIDS. We encourage you to contact any of the coalition member organizations if you have any questions.

Coping with these uncertain times can be extremely stressful.  We want to help you take all steps necessary to stay healthy, strong and well. If you are experiencing distress or mental anguish, please take advantage of the following resources and reach out to those organizations with which you have established relationships:
Multnomah County Crisis Line – 503-988-4888

The Trevor Project – 866-588-7386
Trevor Chat – online messaging service
Youth Talkline – 800-246-7743
Trans Lifeline – 877-565-8860
The GLBT National Helpline – 888-843-4564
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 800-273-8255
Line for Life – 800-273-8255 or test 273Talk to 839863
Alcohol & Drug Helpline 800-923-4357 or text RecoveryNow to 839863

Know that we are committed to our missions to continue providing access to services and health care that support communities and individuals living with HIV/AIDS so they can lead healthy and vibrant lives. Uncertainty at the national level won’t deter us from the important work of addressing the needs of those living with HIV/AIDS.

Yours in health and wellness,

Tyler TerMeer, Cascade AIDS Project 

Rene Yandel, HIV Alliance

Mika Mulkey, HIV Day Center 

Margy Robinson & Jodi Davich, Multnomah County Health Department

Lillian Shirley, Oregon Health Authority

Mary Rita Hurley, Our House

Julia Lager-Mesulam, Partnership Project

Dr. David Eisen, Quest Center for Integrative Health