ACT UP NY Announces Campaign “HEALTHGATE” on World AIDS Day

ACT UP NY announces “HEALTHGATE”, a campaign released on the heels of World AIDS Day (December 1) that condemns Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s deadly pseudoscience-led healthcare death circus while calling for the implementation of the New York Health Act and sustained funding for public and global health to FIGHT BACK, END AIDS, & PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTHCARE FOR ALL.

*Exclusive quotes from HIV/AIDS Leaders and Affected Americans addendum page here*

Who: ACT UP — the AIDS Coalition To Unleash Power — is a diverse, non-partisan group of individuals, united in anger and committed to direct action to end the AIDS crisis.

What: As Affordable Care Act subsidies expire:

• 40% proposed cuts to the National Institute of Health

• $1.7 billion in cuts to HIV/AIDS funding

• Up to 50% cuts proposed to the CDC, the elimination of the Division of HIV Prevention, and the monitoring for numerous viruses including COVID-19

• Massive Medicaid and Medicare cuts, and exclusions of coverage for transgender people

• We call on local political leaders in the New York State Assembly and Senate to pressure New York Governor Kathy Hochul to pass the New York Health Act, setting a standard for the country writ large.

How: The New York Health Act is a state bill that will guarantee comprehensive healthcare for all New Yorkers and save billions, while eliminating premiums, copays, deductibles, and the source of medical debt. Gov. Hochul estimates the federal cuts will cost New York $13 billion a year and that 1.5 million New Yorkers will lose health coverage. 40% of people living with HIV use Medicaid to cover their treatment. These cuts will cost lives.

The Trump administration’s attack on healthcare and the administrative neglect of RFK Jr. will cause suffering and death for those living with HIV/AIDS and for everyone who needs access to healthcare.

Residents of other states, like Meghan S. Hughes — a North Carolina resident whose wife is living with chronic illness — are considering moving to New York for accessible healthcare they can afford. Read more about what Hughes has to say here.

Why: December 1 is WORLD AIDS DAY/Today, we are angrily reminded of what’s at stake:

• RESEARCH CUTS KILL: $783 million cut in federal funding to basic research. 56% of HIV clinical trials halted. 191 HIV grants cut. These chaotic cuts are unpopular, unnecessary, and cruel. It is time to act to restore NIH funding in time to make life-saving cures for HIV/AIDS a reality.

• PrEP FOR ALL: PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) reduces the risk of acquiring HIV by 99%, significantly slowing the spread of the virus. Right now, PrEP access is impacted by location, education, class, race, sexual orientation, and gender identity inequity.

• TRANS EQUITY = LIFE: Due to state-sanctioned violence, trans people have radically increased risks for major depression, tobacco use, alcohol use, and HIV. Cuts to Medicaid will threaten the 32,000 Medicaid recipients who live in states with explicit bans on gender-affirming care. Trans healthcare saves lives.

• PATH TO A CURE: In 2019, scientists estimated a sterilizable cure for HIV was 5-10 years away. However, since Trump and RFK Jr. have taken office, more than 230 research grants aimed at studying HIV have been cancelled.

• HEALTHCARE FOR ALL: 1.5 million New Yorkers are poised to lose Medicaid, and on average, their health insurance premiums are going to rise 24% in 2026. NY is ready to pass comprehensive single-payer health care that’ll cover all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status or pre-existing conditions, at a lower cost than current coverage. It’s time to stop funding insurance companies and start investing in affordable health care for all. Pass the New York Health Act!

*Exclusive quote addendum page here*

We are prepared to ACT UP & FIGHT BACK for public healthcare, are you?

###

Download (PDF)

Download Web-Res (JPEG)

Download High-Res (PDF)

Download Web-Res (JPEG)

Download High-Res (PDF)

Download Web-Res (JPEG)

Download High-Res (PDF)

Download Web-Res (JPEG)

Download High-Res (PDF)

Download Web-Res (JPEG)

Download High-Res (PDF)

Download Web-Res (JPEG)

Download High-Res (PDF)

Download (JPEG)

About ACT UP

Founded in 1987, ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power), is a diverse, non-partisan group of individuals united in anger and committed to direct action to end the AIDS crisis. ACT UP currently meets every Monday night at 7PM ET via Zoom. Notes: you will be asked to contribute your first & last name and email address to access online meetings, and KN-95 masks are required for ACT UP NY in person meetings/actions/gatherings. All individuals are welcome!