HHS Awards $68 Million in Grants for HIV/AIDS Care

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announces the release of more than $68 million to ensure that women, infants, children, and youth living with HIV/AIDS receive comprehensive primary HIV medical care and support services.

The grants, funded through the Health Resources and Services Administrations (HRSA) Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, help people who lack sufficient health care coverage or financial resources to manage HIV.

With these investments, were targeting our resources to the communities that need them most, Sebelius says. This will help women, infants and children with HIV get the care and treatment they need by increasing access to comprehensive, coordinated primary care.

The funds will help 114 community-based organizations, university hospitals and health departments nationwide provide core medical and support services for women, infants, children and youth in three main populations:

- those newly diagnosed or newly identified persons living with HIV/AIDS who are new to medical care

- previously diagnosed patients who have never been in care

- HIV/AIDS patients who are returning to care after more than a 12-month absence.

We know these grants will make a real difference in the lives of those who are most vulnerable, says HRSA administrator Mary K. Wakefield, PhD, RN. The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program helps bring us one step closer to an AIDS-free generation.

The grants support states and communities in ongoing efforts to pursue the goals of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, particularly efforts to increase access to HIV care and reduce HIV-related health disparities.

For the list of recipients, visit: http://www.hrsa.gov/about/news/2012tables/120807hivaids.html.