HIV Law Project News

How Does Health Care Reform Impact People Living with HIV/AIDS?

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 15:00:00 GMT

President Obama signed the final piece of historic health care reform legislation last Tuesday. Now that the reform process is finally over, here are some of the highlights of the legislation for people living with HIV/AIDS. Note that many of the changes take place in future years; few of the changes go into effect immediately.

In Honor of Women and Girls’ HIV Awareness Day: All Women Should Have Access to HIV Testing

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:12:00 GMT

HIV testing is understood to be a cornerstone in effective HIV prevention policy. Yet too many women are not tested because they or their healthcare provider do not perceive that they are “at risk.” HIV testing should be routine for all women, as it is during pregnancy. To achieve this goal, the federal and state governments should provide incentives for increased HIV testing, while maintaining important patient protections in the testing process.

Equal Access to Justice for NYC PLWHAS

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 19:12:00 GMT

HIV Law Project demands the New York City Department of Health to address a discrepancy with HRSA policy that would expand legal services to people with AIDS in the city.

In Honor of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day: Young Black Women Need HIV Prevention

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:12:00 GMT

For the first time in more than a decade, the nation’s teen pregnancy rate rose by 3%. This means that an astonishing 7% of teen girls became pregnant in 2006. Congress and the President have taken an important step toward addressing this issue by investing $100 million for fiscal year 2010 toward teen pregnancy programming, and the president has just proposed increasing this amount by 19 million dollars for the next fiscal year.

From the Community to the Courtroom: Women, AIDS and Advocacy

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:12:00 GMT

Early in the epidemic, the HIV infection and AIDS were diagnosed for relatively few women. Today, women account for more than one quarter of all new HIV/AIDS diagnoses. Women of color are especially affected by HIV infection and AIDS. Statistics show that although black women make up only 13 percent of the U.S. population, they represent 64 percent of women infected with HIV.

World AIDS DAY 2009 Focuses on Human Rights

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:03:00 GMT

TThis year’s theme for World AIDS day is 'Universal Access and Human Rights.' Why focus on human rights? Human rights violations fuel the spread of HIV, especially among low-income and marginalized people. By protecting and promoting individual human rights, new infections can be significantly reduced and people living with HIV/AIDS can live healthy lives free from stigma and discrimination.

Speak Up: Washington Needs Your Input

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:03:00 GMT

The White House Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP) has launched a website where you can submit testimony and/or supporting documents for consideration by the panel formulating National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS). This is an opportunity for individuals and groups concerned about HIV/AIDS to give input for the future of U.S domestic policy.

Fifteen Contemporary Artists Contribute to HIV Law Project's 20th Anniversary Benefit

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:45:00 GMT

Get a sneak peak at the much-talked about silent auction art collection for HIV Law Project's 20th Anniversary Benefit on November 5, 2009, including works from China Adams, Richmond Burton, James Case-Leal, William Kentridge, Amanda Knowles, John Luckett, Rima Mardoyan, Jennifer Morgan, Ken Wong & Almond Zigmund.

Help HIV Law Project Win $50,000 and Win Free Tickets to Our 20th Anniversary Benefit

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:07:00 GMT

HIV Law Project just entered in America's Giving Challenge, on Facebook. You can Act Now to put us in first place for a $50,000 prize! Donate as little as $10 and watch HIV Law Project climb to the top! The organization with the greatest number of donations by November 7th wins. We can also win daily awards of $1,000 and $500 by securing the greatest number of donations in a 24-hour period.

USCIS Issues Memo Not to Deny Green Cards Based on HIV Status

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:07:00 GMT

More good news for HIV+ immigrants! USCIS has ordered its officers to hold applications that would be denied solely because of HIV status until publication of the final rule - hopefully later this year. This means that an immigrant who qualifies for a green card but doesn't meet the criteria for the HIV waiver will not find their application denied and their case ominously referred to Immigration Court for Removal Proceedings. Instead, USCIS will hold the application in abeyance for the time being, and continue to renew travel and employment authorizations until a final adjudication can be made.

Sex Education in the City

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:07:00 GMT

Join HIV Law Project's Center for Women and HIV Advocacy and The Sex Ed Alliance of New York City at “Sex Education in the City”, a community forum and panel discussion to address the lack of comprehensive sexuality education in New York City.

HIV Law Project Joins Thousands of Voices to Urge Lifting of the HIV Travel Ban

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:21:00 GMT

We applaud the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for proposing this regulation, for it is time to realize the national consensus in favor of removing HIV as a bar to entry to the United States.

Nonprofits and the Hacking Nightmare: Beef Up Your Internet Security

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:32:00 GMT

Rosita Cortez, HIV Law Project's Information Technology Manager, was highlighted on the website of the preeminent nonprofit magazine Chronicle of Philanthropy.

Job Opening: Social Services Worker/Casemanager

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:45:00 GMT

HIV Law Project is seeking a social services worker/case manager to join its legal team in providing comprehensive services to low-income people living with HIV/AIDS.

Robin Hood Foundation Invests In HIV Law Project

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:45:00 GMT

Robin Hood has long been a leader in identifying and supporting organizations that maximize winning results. Their continued support of our legal services is a clear indication that, dollar for dollar, HIV Law Project is a sound investment.

Pre-Natal HIV Testing: What About Women's Rights?

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:32:00 GMT

Pregnant women with HIV routinely find their human and civil rights sacrificed in the name of the health of the fetuses they carry. The case of Ms. Tuleh, the Cameroonian immigrant who was recently held in federal detention for the crime of being HIV positive and pregnant, has been a vivid reminder of this reality. Prenatal HIV testing is often the point of departure for the perceived tension between the rights of the mother and the health of the unborn child.

DOJ Tells Occupational Training Schools That It Is Illegal To Bar People With HIV

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 10:32:00 GMT

The Justice Department released a new technical assistance fact sheet on legal requirements relating to admitting individuals with HIV or AIDS to occupational training schools and granting state licensure in occupations such as barbering, massage therapy and home health care assistance.

Women, HIV and Health Policy: Recommendations for a National AIDS Strategy

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:40:00 GMT

HIV Law Project was one of fourteen allied organizations that recently submitted a series of policy recommendations to guide the Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP) and related agencies in their efforts to achieve better outcomes for women living with and affected by HIV. The report, entitled “Critical Issues for Women and HIV: Health Policy and the Development of a National AIDS Strategy” calls attention to the factors contributing to disproportionate rates of HIV among low-income women and women of color, as well as poor health outcomes for women living with HIV, and proposes concrete solutions that integrate systems of prevention and delivery of care.

Ms. Foundation Supports HIV Law Project

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:31:00 GMT

Ms. Foundation for Women renews critical support in 2009-2010 for HIV Law Project’s Center for Women & HIV Advocacy. “We are thrilled that Ms. Foundation values our accomplishments and recognizes the impact of this program,” said Tracy L. Welsh, Executive Director of HIV Law Project. “Their renewed support will bolster our efforts to close the leadership gap for HIV-positive women and shape the future of HIV policy.”

US Government Moves Toward Ending HIV-Positive Travel Ban

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:44:00 GMT

HIV Law Project welcomes the action taken today by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to lift the ban on HIV-positive individuals visiting or moving to the United States. HIV Law Project has long opposed the HIV ban as discriminatory and scientifically flawed. Today’s proposal represents the cumulative achievement of many advocates on behalf of people living with HIV and AIDS.

Public Interest Fellowships Fall 2010

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:24:00 GMT

HIV Law Project announces the opportunity to apply for sponsorship for fellowship opportunities in the fall of 2010. We sponsor third year law students and recent law graduates for public interest fellowship.

CWHA Speaks Up On Proposed Changes to NY State HIV Testing, Counseling and Informed Consent Laws

Mon, 30 Jun 2009 17:24:00 GMT

Hadiyah Charles, Community Organizer for HIV Law Project recently testified in Albany about the importance of maintaining written informed consent for HIV testing. HIV Law Project strongly supports the proposition that the earlier more people know their HIV status, the better. We support the expansion of access to routine voluntary HIV testing throughout the general population. The solution, however, should be tailored to the problem while seeking to preserve the rights of individuals to give written, informed consent under Article 27-F of the Public Health Law.

Prenatal HIV Testing Must Respect Women’s Rights

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:19:00 GMT

Tomorrow is National HIV Testing Day. Pregnant women with HIV routinely find their human and civil rights sacrificed in the name of the health of the fetuses they carry. Prenatal HIV testing raises a unique debate about the perceived tension between the rights of the mother and the health of the unborn child.

In-Brief Updates for June 24, 2009

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 22:19:00 GMT

Honoring 20 Years of Service to People Living with HIV/AIDS; CWHA Speaks Up On Proposed Changes to NY State HIV Testing, Counseling and Informed Consent Laws; June 27, 2009 is National HIV Testing Day; HIV Law Project Supports the Uniting American Families Act

Outside Witness Testimony re. Comprehensive Sexuality Education Programs

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:19:00 GMT

HIV Law Project's Center for Women & HIV Advocacy recently submitted written testimony to the U.S. Senate's Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies. The testimony urged the Subcommittee to end all support for abstinence-only-until-marriage programs, and to support comprehensive sexuality education programming.

HRC Sends Letter to Obama Over DOMA Defense

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:19:00 GMT

Yesterday, HRC President Joe Solmonese sent a letter to President Barack Obama responding to the administration’s brief that argues for the Defense of Marriage Act to be upheld in court.

Got talent? Calling all voice over artists!

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:19:00 GMT

HIV Law Project seeks male and female actors, voice-over artists and radio DJs for an animated online video to be broadcast on You Tube, HIV Law Project’s website, Facebook and other major social networking sites.

Advocacy Institute For HIV-Positive Women in New York City

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:46:00 GMT

This summer the Center for Women & HIV Advocacy at HIV Law Project will be sponsoring an Advocacy Institute for HIV-positive women in New York City.

Better Late than Never: HIV Prevention Among Young Women and Girls

Thu, 14 May 2009 14:46:00 GMT

This report focuses on the myriad biological, cultural, and socioeconomic factors that have caused steadily rising rates of HIV among young women and girls, and offers a series of recommendations to promote effective prevention efforts among this population.

Happy Hour with HIV Law Project's Young Professional Advisory Board

Thu, 08 May 2009 21:19:00 GMT

Want to get involved with a unique not for profit organization that has a significant impact on the lives of fellow New Yorkers? Join us on Thursday, May 14th at 7 p.m for cocktails.

Increase Your Philanthropic Impact

Wed, 06 May 2009 22:26:00 GMT

In recognition of HIV Law Project’s 20 years of service to people living with HIV/AIDS, the board of directors will donate $1 dollar for every $2 donated to HIV Law Project up to $20,000. Please take advantage of this matching opportunity.

In-Brief Updates: Join Us On Facebook, Got Twitter? Follow HIV Law Project, Social Media: The Basics

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:26:00 GMT

HIV Law Project wants you to tell our story, collaborate, and engage in co-creation. We have created the "vehicles" or "tools" hoping that you can use them and say "yes, this is an organization I believe in and I'm proud to tell my friends and colleagues that I care about its cause."

Twitter Hugh Jackman about HIV Law Project for a chance to win $100K

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:26:00 GMT

Want to make a positive impact in the lives of thousands of people in less than 10 seconds? Send a Twitter supporting the work of HIV Law Project to Hugh Jackman.

Have You Ever Wanted to Give Something Back to the Community While Doing What You Do Best?

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:26:00 GMT

Please join HIV Law Project's Young Professional Advisory Board on Wednesday, March 18th for cocktails and to learn more about our fight for the rights and dignity of people living with HIV/AIDS.

Honor of Women and Girls' HIV Awareness Day: Girls Have a Right to Know About HIV Prevention

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 12:18:00 GMT

Schools across the country routinely fail to provide girls and young women with comprehensive sexuality education – the cornerstone to HIV awareness and prevention. Meanwhile, young people between the ages of 13 and 29 accounted for 34% of new HIV infections in 2006.

HIV Testing: Pregnant Women and Newborns

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 17:36:00 GMT

In HIV Law Project’s new report HIV Testing: Pregnant Women and Newborns the principles involved are put into sharp relief in the context of HIV testing of pregnant women and newborn babies, where the rights of a pregnant woman and the rights of a mother are also implicated.

Tell President Obama No More Money for Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage Programs!

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 14:12:00 GMT

Comprehensive sexuality education must become federal policy now if we hope to have a next generation of youth living free of HIV infection. Support science-based health and sexuality education -- our youth are depending on it!

This Valentine’s Day, Be An Advocate for NYC Youth!

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:32:00 GMT

Comprehensive sexuality education is a critical tool in the fight against HIV! Send a valentine to Mayor Bloomberg, Deputy Walcott and Chancellor Klein to support comprehensive sexuality education in our public schools today!

Comprehensive Sexuality Education

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:50:00 GMT

Comprehensive sexuality education promotes a positive view of sexuality as a natural part of human development. HIV Law Project’s new publication Comprehensive Sex Education: A Campaign Toolkit for HIV Advocates is a practical, hands-on resource for advocates.

HIV Prevention is Needed Now More than Ever

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:50:00 GMT

This year, World AIDS Day marks the possibility of a turning point in the domestic fight against HIV and AIDS. Prevention is, rightly, at the top of the national HIV agenda, but it must be conceived of broadly to maximize outcomes.

Latinos Shortchanged on HIV Prevention and Care

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:50:00 GMT

While almost half of Latinos think that AIDS is a more urgent problem in their community today than it was a few years ago, and nearly a third say they are personally very concerned about becoming infected with HIV, Latinos are less likely to have health coverage and prevention services than other groups.

New York State Fails its Youth on Three Counts: Unwanted Pregnancy, Sexually Transmitted Infections, and HIV

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:25:00 GMT

Despite the facts, New York State does not require schools to teach comprehensive sexuality education. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately half of all high school students have had sex, but many of them graduate without being taught how to protect themselves against infection and unwanted pregnancy.

Saving Lives Requires a Comprehensive Testing Process

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:51:00 GMT

HIV Law Project applauds the initiative of the New York City Department of Health (DOH) to expand HIV testing in the Bronx. Expanding testing will ensure that more people know their status, and that those who test positive are diagnosed early in the course of their illness.