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Keeping Hepatitis C Funding in the New York State Budget HOW TO REQUEST HEPATITIS C FUNDING IN NYS: 1. SUPPORT A BILL - Supporting a bill that is first passed in the New York State Assembly, then approved in the New York State Senate. (Currently there are no hepatitis C specific bills that will increase funding in New York State). 2. EXISTING LINE ITEM: A way to increase funding for hepatitis C is ask for an increase through an existing “line item” in the NYS General Budget. • (A “line item” is the expenditure of state public funds for a specified purpose, in our case hepatitis C). • Currently a line item in the NYS budget allocates funds for access to care and hepatitis C public awareness in the amount of $1.19 million. (This is a good stepping-stone but clearly not enough funding to address a statewide public health issue). HOW TO IDENTIFY YOUR LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVES Wherever you live in New York you have two members who represent you. One is your Assemblyman/woman and the other is your Senator. How do we find out who our members of congress are? To find out who your Assembly Member is go to http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem To find out who your State Senator is go to http://www.nysenate.gov/senators Now that we found them, what do we say to them? (A sample dialogue). “Hello, my name is ________________ and I am calling/emailing you today to ask that Assemblymember __________________/ or Senator ________________ support a (Build your case by adding some of the information below) • Hepatitis C is the most common chronic blood borne disease in this country and is nearly 5 times the size of the HIV epidemic. • Over 200,000 New Yorkers are “chronically” infected with the hepatitis C virus and up to 70% are not aware they are infected • Hepatitis C is a leading cause of cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer, and liver transplants in this country and is responsible for up to 12,000 deaths annually. These numbers are expected to increases significantly over the next 10-20 years if we do not improve our response. • Hepatitis C is the number one bloodborneblood borne disease in this country. • A recently released Institute of Medicine report Institute of Medicine Report states,states that the current approach to the prevention and control of chronic hepatitis C is woefully not workinginadequate and recommends a far greater investment in resources to successfully impact the epidemic. Unless action is taken to prevent chronic hepatitis C and facilitate access to medical care and treatment, , thousands more Americans will die each year from liver cancer or liver disease. Now you’re the star, show them some ***STAR*** power! Tell your story how hepatitis C has impacted you, your family or clients. (Sample of Shari Foster’s story) I discovered I had hepatitis C after suffering liver failure and falling into a coma from internal bleeding. I successfully treated in 2005, but I have permanent liver damage. An increase of State funding will help prevent new infections and promote testing so nobody has to go through a similar ordeal. You’re almost done… Before saying goodbye, ask if they have any questions. If you are not sure how to answer a specific question, explain that you will get the information and get back to them. (This is actually a great way to stay connected and develop a relationship with your Assembly member or Senator’s staff). Saying goodbye, Thank them for their time. If you have to supply them with additional information let them know you will be calling or emailing them again. If not, tell them you will call/email again to find out if the Assembly member or Senator will be supporting an increase in funding. REMEMBER, there is nothing to be nervous about! Your representatives in Albany are there because WE vote them into office; they need our votes to keep their jobs. (In many cases you will be speaking to your representative’s aide who are typically college-aged kids, so relax) Please call me with any questions or assistance you may need. Shari Foster |
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