The Biden-Harris Administration announced over $68 million in funding to improve HIV care for women, infants, children, and youth.
What happened
The Biden-Harris Administration has allocated over $68 million to enhance HIV care for women, infants, children, and youth. The funding, distributed through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, aims to provide comprehensive, family-centered medical care and necessary support services. At Morgan State University in Baltimore, HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson announced the initiative as part of HRSA's Enhancing Maternal Health Initiative Tour. The university also serves as the coordinating center for research on maternal mortality disparities.
The program specifically targets women with low incomes who are living with HIV, offering not only medical care and medication but also addressing critical needs like food, childcare, housing, and transportation. The initiative seeks to remove barriers to healthcare access, combat stigma, and offer culturally responsive care. The ultimate goal is to help these individuals achieve viral suppression, allowing them to live long and healthy lives while preventing the transmission of HIV to others. The science behind the program is clear: maintaining an undetectable viral load means HIV cannot be transmitted, a message captured in the phrase "undetectable = untransmittable."
By the numbers
- In 2022, more than 142,000 women received services from the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program.
- 89.9% of female clients in the program achieved viral suppression.
- In April 2024, $105 million was announced for Healthy Start funding.
- In June 2024, $15 million was announced for maternal health needs in rural communities.
- In June 2024, $5.4 million was allocated for the HRSA Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting program in Montana.
- Later in June 2024, over $11 million was awarded to establish new residency programs in rural communities.
- In September 2023, nearly $90 million was announced to combat maternal mortality and improve maternal health.
What was said
According to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, “HHS is committed to helping new moms and their babies stay healthy, so we are making vital health care services – including care for those living with HIV – available and accessible. The funding that HRSA is announcing today will provide resources to promote the health and well-being of women, infants, and children in communities across the country.”
HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson stated, “We know that many women with HIV continue to face barriers accessing HIV care and treatment, including stigma and lack of social support. Through this funding, community-based organizations across the country will deliver lifesaving, culturally responsive HIV care to help women with HIV access the health care they need and live long, healthy lives.”
See also: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide
FAQs
What is the role of the OCR?
The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces federal civil rights laws, including HIPAA, to protect individuals' privacy and ensure equal access to health services.
What is considered PHI?
Protected health information (PHI) includes any information that can identify an individual and relates to their health status, medical care, or payment for healthcare.
Should the identity of fund beneficiaries who receive assistance due to their medical status (HIV positive, etc.) be protected?
Yes, the identity of fund beneficiaries should be protected to maintain their privacy and prevent discrimination.
Kirsten Peremore
