News
Federal Funding Delays for HIV Clients in DC

With all the recent Federal and Congressional delays in passing a budget the ripple effect is now beginning to show. Not only did our country’s AAA rating get downgraded, but now critical funds needed for HIV patients in Washington DC and services to those individuals.
There are over 16,000+ people living with HIV/AIDS in DC. Even thoght Even though the fiscal 2011 budget continues paying about $2 billion a year in HIV/AIDS funding to cities, states and community-based organizations (CBO) under the Ryan White CARE Act, the major delay in passing the budget set off a chain reaction that made it difficult for the Government Health Departments to calculate and distribute grants and for community organizations to plan their budgets. Even staff turnover has slowed down processing requests.
Washington DC has the HIGHEST HIV Infection rate in the Nation. Over 3% of its population over the age of 12 is infected with HIV. Anything over 2% is considered an epidemic.
This just goes back to the ‘ripple in the pond’ effect. Not only AIDS Service Organizations effected but so many others are left struggling while Congress played games with lives.
Tom Thayer
Tagged AIDS & Congress, AIDS Response Effort Inc, aids service organizations, ARE, ASO, Congress, government stalling, HIV, HIV & the government, HIV AIDS, Ryan White CARE Act, Senate, Washington DC & AIDS, White House

