Read more: Local, State, Health, Community, Jean Elizabeth Smith, Pastor Andy Sidden, Dr. Helmut Albrecht, AIDS, Funding, HIV, Activists
COLUMBIA -- The number of people in this state living with HIV and AIDS is on the rise. According to the South Carolina HIV and AIDS crisis task force, more than 14,000 people have the disease. Nearly 25 percent of them rely on government money for medication.
Earlier this week, House lawmakers asked the feds for more than $170 million to fund services for prescription drug programs and the department of disabilities and special needs. However HIV/AIDS was left out of that mix.
"AIDS is not in recession and the funds to fight AIDS should not be in recession either," said Columbia Pastor Andy Sidden.
Hundreds gathered at the State House Wednesday to protest recent cuts to state funded HIV and AIDS services. Earlier this month, South Carolina budget writers slashed the "AIDS Drug Assistance Program's" entire $5.9 million budget.
"Cutting funding for ADAP is like a death sentence for the people who do not have health insurance or can't afford all of their medicines out of pocket," said AIDS activist Jean-Elizabeth Smith.
"This is $6 billion in this state alone that we're talking about the cost of treating this is 5% of that," said Dr. Helmut Albrecht.
Dr. Albrecht, of the USC School of Medicine, says without programs like ADAP not only will those with the disease face consequences but others may also be at risk.
"We can not cure this but we can treat this," said Dr. Albrecht. "We can prevent this, but the alternative is to let this spread and this will spread."
"This disease is a very real disease and without medication, each one of us would not be here today," said AIDS activist Pamela Sykes.
Sykes is one of thousands in South Carolina living with the disease. She was infected by her husband in 1992 and says she's been on a mission to put a face on the epidemic ever since.
"We need to understand that HIV or AIDS can attach itself to anyone," said Sykes.
A budget amendment has been submitted to restore nearly $2.2 million to the program. But until the money is back in the budget, the AIDS activists say they won't be silenced.
