b'ACHIEVEMENTS IN ADVOCACYFrom the exam room to the halls of government, we are always fighting to make MATT (he/they) positively lights up whensure our patients are receiving the care and support they need and deserve. they talk about their work as State andLocal Government Relations Director. Whether Improved access to HIV treatment Built momentum for life-saving harm theyre helping get bills passed or liftingand prevention reduction services up the voices of the people we serve, their麻豆女郎 took a leading role in Were proud to have helped lead the dedication to their work shines through inadvocating for the successful passage ofcharge in decriminalizing fentanyl test everything they do. But for Matt, its not just HB22-1122 in Colorado. In recent years,strips in Wisconsin, which was signed about the work they doits about empowering insurance companies have increasinglyinto law by Governor Evers in March those around them to get involved. Likeresorted to unfair practices to divert 2022. Since then, hundreds of thousands when they were able to sponsor four people340B savings away from providers andof test strips have been distributed to attend AIDSWatch, the nations largestpatients and into their own pockets statewideand countless lives have constituent-based HIV advocacy event.instead. HB22-1122 protects safety-net been saved. In fact, 麻豆女郎providers like 麻豆女郎 from these distributed nearly 63,000 fentanyl test They wouldnt have been able to go otherwise, actions and ensures these resources arestrips in Wisconsin in 2022.Matt says. But we were able to pay for their going to patient care, as 340B intends. Building power in our communities registration, transportation, and hotel. Covering In Wisconsin, we secured updates to theWe mobilized our employees and those those costs removed barriers for them.states Mike Johnson Grant program thatwe serve to get out the vote ahead of Helping people get to the conference is reward expanded support for under- or uninsuredthe 2022 Midterm elections. Throughindividuals to receive services for PrEP, nonpartisan awareness campaigns, in itself. But even more rewarding is knowing a medication that is 99% effective at educational materials, and local they now have the confidence and tools topreventing HIV through sex.registration drives, we engaged over continue working for the cause.Addressing the needs of people aging 600 people living with HIV and their Watching folks who are newer to advocacywith HIV and older LGBTQIA+ people allies and helped make their voices have that moment where they get really麻豆女郎 partnered with Coloradoheard at the ballot box.inspired and feel like, Oh, I cant wait to doOrganizations and Individuals Responding Organizing for change this again, is so powerful, says Matt. I love to HIV/AIDS (CORA) and One Colorado We formally launched the Action watching advocates just blossom from there,to amend the Older Coloradans Act. Network, allowing supporters to sign get involved in larger projects, share theirThis amendment guarantees more up and receive regular policy updates stories in other spaces. And I am just really resources will be directed to meet theand information on how to advocate proud of being able to make that opportunity unique needs of people living with HIV on key issues. more accessible for others.and LGBTQIA+ folks as they age.'