From Chris Bates

We deeply regret the technical meltdown that was experienced in the PACHA conference call yesterday, Tuesday, June 29, 2010. It was a very unfortunate and frustrating situation for everyone involved. Because the call was scheduled for only one hour and was devoted to addressing one agenda item, we set aside 8 public comment slots. The 8 individuals who were slated to speak were the first to respond to the Federal Register notice. As many of you know or heard, Carl Schmid from the AIDS Institute was the only one of the 8 who had the chance to speak.

Clearly from the conversations that took place following the abruptly ended conference call and the many postings on blogs and discussions across chat lines it is apparent that many people would like to have the opportunity to give oral remarks for the record.

We have set up a conference call for Friday, July 2, 2010 from 2 PM until 3:30 PM EST. The conference call lines will be open for one and a half hours to permit anyone who wishes to offer public comments to do so at that time. Each presenter will be limited to 2 minutes to place their statement into record.

• Call-in = 888.566.1019
• Passcode = 5709402
  

To send written comments please email Melvin Joppy at Melvin.Joppy@hhs.gov with your name, affiliation, contact information and comments.

Most importantly, PACHA did unanimously pass the ADAP Resolution and we it is being sent through formal channels to Secretary Sebelius. To view the Resolution go here: http://www.aids.gov/federal-resources/policies/pacha/meetings/june-2010-resolution.pdf

The transcript of the call will go on the PACHA early next week.

Please stay tuned to http://www.pacha.gov and http://www.aids.gov for news, blogs, and upcoming meeting announcements.

Thank you,
Christopher H. Bates, MPA
Director, PACHA


Cc: Helene Gayle, MD, PACHA Chair
The PACHA membership