World AIDS Day A Success!

On Monday, December 1 2008, Mainers from across the state attended more than 15 World AIDS Day Events! The call for support and leadership was heard loud and clear in print, television, and radio coverage throughout Maine.

A couple weeks ago it was announced that ALL state HIV prevention dollars would be cut for 2009 due to state budget shortfall projections. We received word shortly after the State House Hall of Flags World AIDS Day Ceremony that the Governor’s Office has mitigated the curtailment from $100,000 to $20,000, restoring all state dollars for direct HIV/AIDS prevention services!

The Maine HIV/AIDS Community is so grateful for the governor’s leadership on the issue of HIV/AIDS during these challenging fiscal times and prioritizing HIV prevention to keep Mainer’s informed, tested, and healthy!

Stay tuned for more legislative and community action!

World AIDS Day at the Maine State House - Right to Left: Andrew Bossie (MAA Executive Director), Gov. John Baldacci, Bob MacFarlane (HIV/AIDS Community Activist), Dr. Dora Mills (Maine Director of Public Health), and Rev. Mark Doty (Hammond Street Congregational Church, Bangor)