Strained support systems

I don’t know what to say about the current state of the economy and what it means for people who are facing chronic and catastrophic health conditions.  The media is filled with horror stories.  This week, I read that states are having to cut back on programs that provide medication to residents who are living with HIV and cannot afford the medications.  Some have lost their benefits and are scrambling to find a way to obtain their medications, including going directly to pharmaceutical companies.  Others are on waiting lists.  One of many repercussions of cutbacks and funding will be the effect that is has on newly-diagnosed patients, who now face the additional uncertainty of whether or not they will be able to receive treatment when they need it.  Already, support services, like counseling and education, have been cut drastically if not eliminated.  I’m left with the question as you: What can we do to help?