“The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program plays an instrumental role in the United States’ public health response to HIV,” said HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell, announcing nearly $2.3 billion in grants to the program to ease access to HIV/AIDS care and medications.
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The program provides primary medical care, drug assistance, education and training, and a number of other essential support services to more than half a million people—more than50% of those living with diagnosed HIV infection in the U..S. The services are crucial in “preserving health, extending life expectancy, and reducing HIV transmission,” said HRSA Acting Administrator Jim Macrae. “In 2014, more than 80% of Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program clients who received HIV medical care were retained in care, and more than 81% of program clients who received HIV medical care were virally suppressed.”
About $627.8 million was awarded to 24 metropolitan areas and 28 transitional grant areas with the highest number of people living with HIV and AIDS or those experiencing increases in HIV and AIDS cases and emerging care needs. Another approximate $1.3 billion was awarded to 59 states and territories for core medical and support services and for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program.
Sixteen states received Emerging Community grants based on the number of AIDS cases over the most recent 5-year period. Thirty-two states and territories were awarded $10.4 million in Part B Minority AIDS Initiative grants.
Local community-based organizations and other groups across the country also were awarded funding to provide family-centered comprehensive care for women and children; technical assistance, clinical training, and oral health services; and education and training for health care professionals. Grant money will support the demonstration and evaluation of innovative models of care delivery for hard-to-reach populations as well as efforts to reduce new HIV infections.