Petrelis Files

Federal Action for NOLA People With AIDS

The first email came from Mr. Reznik, who is a member of the President's Advisory Committee for HIV/AIDS, and provices information about HRSA's plan for assisting refugees with AIDS from New Orleans forturnate to find their way to Atlanta.

The other email is from Dr. Coburn's office and is the first, I hope, of many updates on the federal government's action to meet the needs of people with AIDS and all other victims of Katrina's deadly power.

As soon as I get a reply from HRSA about their plans to provide Ryan White CARE Act clients displaced by Katrina, I'll share it.

^^^


From: David Reznik [mailto:dreznik@mindspring.com]
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2005 10:36 AM
To: "PACHA Treatment and Care"
Subject: New Orleans and other coastal communities

I just received the following communication from the Atlanta Title I EMA office:

"Following up on earlier e-mail, HRSA has indicated that medical care and medications may be provided to evacuees from the gulf region who have sought shelter in Atlanta. Please keep a record of the individuals served, the service provided, the date, and as much documentation of eligibility as you can. We will need to collect these records from you in the next few weeks to be able to summarize data for HRSA and to evaluate the impact on Title I resources.

I will provide clarification on other services which may be provided as soon as HRSA sends additional direction."

Jeff Cheek
Director, Ryan White Program

Dear Michael,

As you know, yesterday I had a conversation with Dr. Deborah Parham Hopson, Associate Administrator for HIV/AIDS at the Health Resources and Services Administration regarding the issues you have raised. Dr. Hopson assured me that HRSA is very much a part of the discussions regarding responses to the horrible disaster caused by Hurricane Katrina and that she personally has raised issues about the immediate needs of people living with HIV/AIDS.

I have asked the Department of Health and Human Services to provide me with additional information on activities being undertaken to meet the needs of those living with HIV/AIDS impacted by this disaster. Due to the attention of the Department on addressing the numerous emergencies associated with this continuing crisis, I do not expect a prompt reply but I will be sure to forward to you whatever response that I do receive.

In addition, Congress tonight is expected to approve a $10 billion emergency supplemental intended to care for those impacted throughout the Gulf area.

Rest assured, knowing that Dr. Coburn shares your concern for those living with HIV, as well as all others, impacted by this horrible catastrophe.

Thank you, as always, for your advocacy on behalf of those living with HIV/AIDS.

Roland Foster
Legislative Director
Senator Tom A. Coburn, M.D.