Living with HIV/AIDS isn’t easy.

There are good days and bad days. There are days when one’s dreams feel within reach. And there are days when there isn’t enough energy to take the dog for a walk, cook a simple meal, or read a bedtime story to a child.

There are days when co-workers understand that you have to leave work a little early to go to treatment. And there are days when the stigma and isolation of having HIV/AIDS feels too much to bear.

And then there’s World AIDS Day.

World AIDS Day occurs on Dec. 1. It’s a time to celebrate the lives of the estimated 29,500 North Carolinians who live with the disease each day. It’s also a day to reflect on how much more we have to do in the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS.

North Carolina Democrats are committed to making each day count by passing a state budget this year that provides:

* More than $235,000 to expand public health lab testing, including HIV testing for pregnant women.
* $2 million for local health departments, historically black colleges and universities, and other community organizations for HIV counseling, testing, and early medical interventions.
* The $2 million also includes money for three community-based programs that handle case management, outreach, transportation, referrals for housing and medical care, and other services.
* $500,000 for funding to support peer-to-peer counseling efforts

For more information about HIV/AIDS contact your local health department or call the National AIDS Hotline at (800) 342-AIDS (2437).