About HIV/AIDS Bureau

The HIV/AIDS Bureau (HAB) of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) was formed in August 1997 to consolidate all programs funded under the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act. The CARE Act was signed into law on August 15, 1990 to improve the quality and availability of care for people with HIV/AIDS and their families. Amended and reauthorized in May 1996, and November 2000 the Act is named after the Indiana teenager, Ryan White, who became an active public educator on HIV/AIDS after he contracted the syndrome. He died the same year the legislation was passed.

In serving people and families affected by HIV/AIDS, the Bureau, headed by HRSA Associate Administrator Deborah Parham, Ph.D., RN, has identified four factors that have significant implications for HIV/AIDS care, services and treatment:

1. The HIV/AIDS epidemic is growing among traditionally underserved and hard-to-reach populations.
2. The quality of emerging HIV/AIDS therapies can make a difference in the lives of people living with HIV.
3. Changes in the economics of health care are affecting the HIV/AIDS care network.
4. Policy and funding increasingly are determined by outcomes.