HHS Awards $595 Million for AIDS CARE in Major Urban Areas

Date: March 1, 2004
Contact: HRSA Press Office
(301) 443-3376

HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today announced 51 grants totaling more than $595 million to the cities hit hardest by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The grants will help these cities provide primary care and supportive services for low-income residents with HIV/AIDS.

The grants to 51 Eligible Metropolitan Areas (EMAs), which include both formula and supplemental grants, are funded under Title I of the Ryan White CARE (Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency) Act. Formula funds are awarded based on the estimated number of people living with AIDS in the city, and supplemental funds are awarded competitively among EMAs based on demonstration of severe need and other criteria. A portion of the grant awards will fund the Minority AIDS Initiative to bolster care and services among minority populations.

"These grants will increase access to quality health care for those Americans living with HIV or AIDS, especially those who need help the most, including minorities, the uninsured and the underinsured," Secretary Thompson said. "This funding will help save lives and improve the quality of life for those affected by this terrible disease."

HHS' Health Resources and Services Administration oversees CARE Act programs. Title I grants provide essential HIV/AIDS health care and a wide range of support services to those who lack or are only partially protected by health insurance. Covered services include physician visits, case management, assistance in obtaining medications, home-based and hospice care, substance abuse and mental health services, and other related services.

Since fiscal year 2001, the Bush administration has spent more than $7.7 billion in CARE Act funding to help some 530,000 individuals access life-sustaining care and services each year. President Bush has requested nearly $2.1 billion in fiscal year 2005 for the CARE Act, an increase of more than $270 million since 2001.

A list of this year's EMAs and Title I grant awards are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2004pres/20040301a.html.