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June 1, 2008
Dear valued SCAP supporter,
We need your support. The Santa Cruz AIDS Project is facing a budget crisis as never seen before. On a daily basis, we affect hundreds of Santa Cruz County residents that have been impacted by HIV/AIDS. As new advances in medicines lengthen lives and new services enrich those lives, there is more and more need to service a growing population. From the newly diagnosed cases and the trauma that brings, to the support services that are required during tough economic times, SCAP endeavors to serve the needs of all persons affected by the HIV virus.
You Can't Spray HIV
Unlike the Light Brown Apple moth and the controversy surrounding the spraying, there is no spray or cure for HIV. Unfortunately, we continue to see new cases of HIV infection in Santa Cruz County yet fortunately, we are able to reach them early. Early detection helps keep new cases as healthy as possible. The funds available to serve this growing population, however, are shrinking putting us in a crisis to serve our community.
On the "Down Low"
Unlike the skyrocketing costs of delivering services, the amount of funds generated from traditional governmental sources is being slashed. This shrinkage has a big negative effect as SCAP must confront ways to keep services at a healthy level and not let the unhealthy economic environment impact service levels. Fortunately, the morbidity from HIV is decreasing and people are living longer lives, the problem is there is the perception that the healthier community needs fewer services. With increasing service delivery costs and decreasing funding opportunities, SCAP is being forced to look at drastic ways to prevent having to choose which services to cut.
On the Up and Up
The astronomical increases in the prices of gas and food make delivering the services even more costly and are being felt by both SCAP and our clients. The number of test administered last year were 38% higher. The number of positive results was over 90% higher. The good news is that we are reaching more people. The bad news is that there are a higher number of people who are infected. Our clients have a greater dependency on our services and it is more expensive for them to access these services. Just as the need is increasing, so is the cost of meeting those needs. This is where we need your help.
DO ask and DO tell
You can help, and we need it. We are asking you to help by making a contribution to the agency and be a part of the solution to the rising costs of delivering service. We need to raise money from all our supporters and to raise awareness of the impact of the unhealthy economy on our community. Santa Cruz County residents can get involved with their money and their awareness. We are asking you to help by telling the story and asking the community to help. Together with the community, SCAP is devoted to keeping this community healthy by providing services to all in need and not letting the unhealthy economic conditions create an unhealthy community.
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