Congressman Cohen Announces $2,143,395 for Services for HIV/AIDS Patients

“AIDS continues to be a serious problem in the 9th District, especially within the African-American community,” said Congressman Cohen. “There have been major breakthroughs in treatments for HIV and AIDS in recent years, and the Ryan White Act provides medical and support services to individuals who might otherwise not have access to them. I’m grateful to HHS for providing this funding for my constituents battling this disease.”

The funding comes from the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, the single largest federal program designed specifically for people with HIV/AIDS. First enacted in 1990, it provides care and support services to individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS, functioning as the “payer of last resort”; that is, it fills the gaps in care for those who have no other source of coverage or face coverage limits. Federal Ryan White funding is provided to cities, states, and directly to providers and other organizations. The program was reauthorized for the third time in December 2006.

For more information on HIV relief programs in the Memphis metro area, please contact Congressman Cohen’s Memphis office at 901-544-4131 or the Shelby County Division of Community Services at 901-379-7512.

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Contact:
Marilyn Dillihay, Press Secretary, 202-225-3265
Charlie Gerber, Communications Assistant, 202-225-3265