Originally published in The Columbian by Jasmine Gruenstein

Since the late 1980s, Washington state has been a leader in efforts to end the HIV epidemic. Decades later, we’ve inched closer to actually realizing that goal. Much of that progress is attributed to patient access to treatments that reduce or even prevent HIV infection. But the work is far from over. So why have lawmakers in our state seemingly shortchanged this commitment? The current $65 billion 2022 supplemental operating budget does not include adequate funding to expand access to HIV treatment. This lack of action is contradictory to Gov. Jay Inslee’s End AIDS Washington campaign.

Instead of backing up big promises with big actions, this year’s Washington state budget does the opposite and fails to provide necessary funding to eliminate prior authorization, a practice that puts barriers between HIV patients and effective treatment.

Lawmakers must rectify this mistake by including an amendment appropriating $7.5 million to the state budget. This step would widen access to critical care for Washingtonians living with HIV. Our elected officials should act once again to protect and expand access to HIV services and care. For years, we have heard the promises from our lawmakers; it is beyond time they followed through with actions.

To learn more about our various public policy, legislative, and advocacy efforts at CAP and how to get involved yourself, please visit our Public Policy + Advocacy page.

About Cascade AIDS Project

CAP is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1985 as a grassroots response to the AIDS crisis. As the oldest and largest community-based HIV services provider in Oregon and southwest Washington, we seek to support and empower all people with or affected by HIV, reduce stigma, and provide the LGBTQ+ community with compassionate healthcare. We do so by helping to ensure the health and well-being of our program participants each year through health, housing, and other social services. When the need for affordable, accessible, and culturally affirming primary care services was identified as a community need, we responded by opening Prism Health in 2017.  More information can be found at www.capnw.org.