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DC Community Coalition for AIDS 2012 Policy Platform for the District of Columbia
Presented At Mayors HIV/AIDS Commission Meeting September 26, 2011 1:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. Washington, DC
DCC AIDS 2012 Policy Platform

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DCC AIDS 2012 Policy Platform

Who We Are
The DC Community Coalition (DCC) for AIDS 2012 is a broad cross-section of people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS throughout the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area. We are the official International AIDS Society sponsored Local Outreach Partner for AIDS 2012. DCCs goals are to:
1. 2. Make effective use of the opportunities presented by AIDS 2012 for the populations and neighborhoods impacted by HIV and AIDS; Support the 2012 International AIDS Conference in highlighting issues important to DC area residents and ensuring their access to the benefits of and participation in the conference; Build a clear and powerful message to highlight both the successes and the challenges faced by people living with HIV and AIDS in DC area.

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The DCC will utilize AIDS 2012 as an opportunity to heighten national and global awareness of the Districts HIV epidemic and increase accountability by all DC governmental and non-governmental leaders in the metropolitan DC area.

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DCC AIDS 2012 Policy Platform

DC Community Coalition Policy Platform

The DCC AIDS 2012 Policy Platform for the District of Columbia:
Provides the Mayor, the Council of the District of Columbia and the Districts HIV/AIDS community policy and programmatic recommendations to make real gains in the local fight against HIV/AIDS. Declares to the global HIV/AIDS community the most pressing challenges the District faces as we enter the fourth decade of this epidemic. Demands actions steps to strengthen the Districts response to the local HIV crisis.

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DCC AIDS 2012 Policy Platform

Key Challenges and Obstacles

An estimated 3.2% of District residents are HIV positive. HIV prevalence constitutes a generalized epidemic. HIV/AIDS stigma and homophobia are significant barriers to early detection of HIV in DC. Criminalization of people who use drugs exacerbates stigma and discrimination. Deaths due to drug overdose among PLWH. Prosecution of individuals for possession or use of harm reduction prevention tools. Congressional intrusion in the use of local tax levy dollars. Competition for resources among service providers. Absence of meaningful engagement of PLWH and community stakeholders. Poorly integrated HIV prevention, care, treatment and housing services. No comprehensive citywide HIV/AIDS strategy.

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DCC AIDS 2012 Policy Platform

DC Community Coalition Demands

DEMANDS TIMELINE

Governance and Leadership

Intensified Education and Research

Optimization of Care Services and High Impact Prevention Interventions Mayoral Direction on Districtwide Leadership and Accountability Efforts

Implement Action Steps Before AIDS2012 (September 2011 June 2012) Mayor and DC Council Report Due by start of AIDS 2012 (July 2012) Post AIDS 2012 Activities (To Be Determined)

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DCC AIDS 2012 Policy Platform

Moving Forward Together

The DC Community Coalition for AIDS 2012 Policy Platform for the District of Columbia marks the first time in the history of the HIV epidemic that diverse community stakeholders have come together to formulate comprehensive visionary policy recommendations for addressing the Districts epidemic.

The Mayor HIV/AIDS Commission is a promising catalyst for change.

The DCC is willing to work in partnership with the Gray Administration and the Council of the District of Columbia to end the epidemic in the city. Achieving our shared goals will take renewed political will and the sustained commitment of government and civil society. The DCC will the hold the government, community and private sector accountable.

PLEASE JOIN US!

See our Get Involved page to learn about ways to engage in our work, to join our community on Facebook and our Google Group listserv, and support the DCC financially through our fiscal agent HealthHIV.
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