Congressman Cohen Announces $1.5 Million in Health and Human Services Grants

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced $1,517,150 in U.S. Health and Human Services grants to support those affected by HIV and AIDS during the pandemic. The Tri-State Community Health Center will receive $916,275. Funding for Ryan White HIV Programs in response to the Covid-19 pandemic will also go to Shelby County ($430,956), Regional One Medical Center ($133,415) and Methodist LeBonheur Community Outreach ($36,504).

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

"Much of this funding is in direct response to the coronavirus pandemic and is urgently needed. I'm pleased these programs are working hard to keep some of the most vulnerable members of our community healthy. The Ryan White HIV/AIDS program has been successful in preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS and in providing treatment to those in need. This grant funding will help provide needed care for those affected by HIV and AIDS, and will continue to improve treatment outcomes for patients in Shelby County, and will ultimately save lives."

The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program provides a comprehensive system of care that includes primary medical care and essential support services for people living with HIV who are uninsured or underinsured. The Program works with cities, states, and local community-based organizations to provide HIV care and treatment services to more than half a million people each year. The Program reaches approximately 52 percent of all people diagnosed with HIV in the United States.

The grant program is named for Ryan White, an Indiana teenager and hemophiliac who contracted AIDS from infected blood. He died in 1990.