Take Action
Georgia’s HIV programs depend on advocates who speak up. Here’s how to make your voice count with state and federal legislators.
the stakes
Why advocacy matters
Georgia has one of the highest HIV rates in the country, with an incidence rate of about 23 to 27 new cases per 100,000 residents, more than twice the national average. The programs that fund prevention, testing, and care are not automatic. They are legislated, funded, and fought for every single year. When advocates go silent, programs disappear.
100%
Proposed federal cut to CDC HIV prevention funding in FY2027. This would devastate Georgia’s testing outreach, prevention infrastructure, and the community organizations that serve people most at risk.
Programs such as Ryan White, which provides life-saving medication and care to low-income Georgians living with HIV, face devastating budget cuts. Harm reduction, PrEP access, housing assistance, and Hepatitis treatment funding are all under threat simultaneously.
Cuts are not abstract – they mean people who cannot access medication, infections that could have been prevented, and communities losing the services that keep them alive.
How to advocate
Three ways to take action today
01
Contact your Georgia legislators
Your state legislators vote on Georgia’s HIV and public health budget. A personal phone call or email from a constituent is far more effective than a mass petition. GAC provides talking points, contact information, and guidance on what to say.
You don’t need to be an expert. Sharing your personal connection to the issue — whether you work in healthcare, have a loved one living with HIV, or simply care about your community — is the most powerful thing you can do.
02
Contact your U.S. Congressional representatives
Federal funding decisions, for Ryan White, CDC HIV prevention programs, and Medicaid — are made in Washington. Your U.S. Senators and Representatives need to hear from constituents that these programs matter to Georgians.
GAC tracks federal legislation and will alert you when a contact moment is critical. Sign up for action alerts below to be notified.
03
Share your story
Personal stories change minds. Legislators and their staff respond to constituents who share how HIV programs have affected their lives or the lives of people they love. A two-minute call or a personal email can make the difference.
GAC can help you prepare your story and connect you with advocacy opportunities, including legislative days at the Georgia State Capitol.
action alerts
Get notified when your voice is needed
GAC sends action alerts at critical advocacy moments such as when a bill is coming to a vote, when a comment period opens, or when a legislator needs to hear from constituents. Sign up to be part of Georgia’s HIV advocacy network
How to advocate
What to say to your legislator
Use these evidence-based talking points when you contact your representatives. Adapt them to your own voice and experience.
On Ryan White funding
“The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program provides medication and care for thousands of low-income Georgians living with HIV. Cutting this program won’t make HIV go away — it will mean people lose access to life-saving treatment, and new infections will increase.”
on hiv prevention
“Georgia’s HIV rate is more than twice the national average. Every dollar we cut from prevention creates future costs in treatment, hospitalization, and lost productivity. An Emory study found HIV treatment investment returns $3.40 for every $1 spent.”
on prep access
“Only 25% of Georgians who could benefit from PrEP currently receive it. Georgia just passed legislation allowing pharmacists to prescribe PrEP directly. We need federal support to fund outreach and ensure all Georgians can access this life-saving prevention tool.”
on syringe services
“Georgia legalized syringe service programs in 2019. These programs reduce HIV and Hepatitis C transmission, connect people who use drugs to treatment, and save lives. Defunding harm reduction reverses hard-won public health progress.”
