Getting to Zero: Legacy Takes Action at the 2015 Texas HIV/AIDS Advocacy Day
More than 50 activists and advocates from Houston, Beaumont, Austin, San Antonio and Dallas joined Legacy Community Health Services for the 3rd Annual Texas HIV/AIDS Advocacy Day at the Capitol. Participants gathered in Austin the morning of February 18th for orientation and training on issues affecting the HIV/AIDS community. State Senator Rodney Ellis provided encouragement while outlining his bill ( SB 194 ) that would mandate opt-out HIV testing for health benefit/insurance plans. Other issues included Medicaid expansion, and funding for HIV/AIDS medication and prevention efforts. Representatives from the Positive Organization Project (POP+) and the Ryan White Planning Council joined Legacy staff and volunteers to share strategies and stories before dividing into teams to meet with legislators and staffers, including Representative Senfronia Thompson. This year's Advocacy Day was the first with a strong social media effort to include others who coul...