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Congressman Cohen Announces $55,500 Grant for Le Bonheur

September 3, 2008


“I am very pleased that Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center was chosen for a Ryan White grant,” said Congressman Cohen. “The funds from this grant will help the hospital deliver critical services to their patients living with HIV and AIDS,” added Congressman Cohen. “Unfortunately, the HIV epidemic continues to afflict the 9th District, particularly in the African American community. I applaud HHS for recognizing the necessity for increased funding to combat this deadly disease.”

The Health Resources and Services Administration, a division of HHS, awarded the grant under Title IV of the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act, which funds hospitals serving communities severely affected by the HIV epidemic.

According to the Memphis and Shelby County Health Department, in 2005 there were 7,570 residents in Memphis and Shelby County who had been infected with HIV/AIDS, and 5,008 were still living with the disease. African Americans represent more than 80% of those living with the disease in the 9th District.

In 2008, the 9th District has received more than $6 million for education and treatment programs related to the HIV/AIDS virus. 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 Health Department at 901-544-6847.

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Contact:
Marilyn Dillihay, Press Secretary, (202) 225-3265/ (202) 368-9275 (mobile)
Charlie Gerber, Communications Assistant, (202) 225-3265 / (202) 320-2817 (mobile)

Issues:Health Care