|
August 11, 2008
Dear Candidate, As you know, the CDC has recently raised the annual estimate for American HIV/AIDS infections from 40,000 per year to 56,300 per year. This alarming statistic highlights the very real danger of complacency related to HIV in this country, and reinforces our dire need for true, national leadership when it comes to prevention. On Thursday, August 14, 2008, your national campaign headquarters will receive 56,300 condoms – one condom for each American who the CDC estimates will become infected with HIV this year. We hope you will donate these condoms to a non-profit outreach organization or clinic, and that this donation will represent your administration's ongoing position regarding comprehensive education programs should you be elected President this Fall. In many ways, the issues of the Presidential race reflect the real-world concerns of those involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Topics related to the economy, healthcare, education, race and sexuality have been central to the Presidential campaign, and these issues correlate directly to the AIDS crisis. Although condom use may be difficult for many Americans to discuss, it must be part of a comprehensive national dialogue about prevention. As we maintain our high level of values we must continue to respect the choices of others and provide tools for protection at every stage of life. We must realize that HIV will continue to play a pivotal role not only in the financial security of our citizens, but also the infrastructure of our public healthcare system. In 2006, the CDC estimated that the average cost of treatment for HIV infection is $210,000 over the course of the patient’s lifetime. At the current infection rate, each year the additional cost to society may be as high as $11.8 billion. These funds must come from government programs (Medicaid and Medicare), private insurance companies, non-profit organizations, as well as the patients and their families. At One Condoms® we believe that by working together as friends, families and communities, we can begin to break through the stigma and discomfort to promote smart sexual health education. We work with more than 3,500 non-profit organizations nationwide, and donate 5% of sales in support of programs that speak to the diversity of their clients. We also develop innovative educational tools and social strategies that motivate individuals to engage their families, partners and peers in informed conversations about sexual health. Though the recent CDC statistics are discouraging to the health community, we are optimistic the report will refocus the nation’s attention on HIV/AIDS prevention. We hope that our next President will bring a fresh approach to the crisis, and that by example, America will make strides toward ending the threat of HIV in this country. Respectfully,
|
||||
