HHS Awards $597M in Ryan White Funds to 51 Communities Most Affected by HIV/AIDS
HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson announced yesterday that his agency has awarded $597 million to 51 Eligible Metropolitan Areas -- communities "hit hardest" by HIV/AIDS -- to support "primary care and related services" for low-income residents. According to an HHS release, the money, which is provided under Title I of the Ryan White CARE Act, includes both formula grants -- based on the estimated number of people with AIDS in a given area -- and supplemental grants, based on "demonstration of severe need" and other criteria. Funds will support physician visits, case management, medication assistance, home-based and hospice care, substance abuse and mental health services and other care. "In communities struggling to meet the demands for services locally, these resources will ensure that people with HIV and AIDS will receive the comprehensive care that they need," Thompson said. He continued, "In addition to helping people affected directly by this deadly disease, President Bush and I are also committed to increasing funding for vaccine research and working to prevent the spread of this disease both at home and abroad." Bush's proposed fiscal year 2003 budget includes $12.9 billion for HIV/AIDS initiatives, an increase of 8%, or $906 million, over this year's budget (HHS release, 3/4).
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