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SF AIDS Foundation Expresses Concern with House Version of CARE Act ReauthorizationSignificant Funding Cuts Allowed under Bill Would Destabilize Systems of Care and Support Services in Bay AreaSan Francisco, CA, June 29, 2000 -- The San Francisco AIDS Foundation voiced concern with legislation introduced today in the House by Representatives Tom Coburn (R-OK) and Henry Waxman (D-CA). The legislation would reauthorize the Ryan White CARE Act, which provides crucial funding for HIV care and support services for thousands of people living with HIV, through September 30, 2005. Unfortunately, this bill includes a provision that would allow annual cuts in CARE Act funds that would result in a 25% reduction in CARE funding to San Francisco (approximately $4.5 million dollars) over the next five years. "It is essential for the CARE Act to be reauthorized this year, but a reduction of funding of this magnitude will destabilize current systems of medical care and hurt the most vulnerable and needy people living with HIV in our community," said Pat Christen, Executive Director of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. "We will work to ensure that the final CARE Act reauthorization legislation does not allow for such drastic cuts to those in greatest need." San Francisco targets CARE Act funding to individuals most in need in the Bay Area, helping to provide access to medical care, pharmaceuticals, housing and support services to those who are homeless or marginally housed, the multi-diagnosed, and disproportionately affected communities of color. CARE Act programs have played a key role in the drop in AIDS-related deaths across the country. However, San Francisco continues to confront a major public health burden with growing numbers of residents living with HIV who rely on CARE Act funded services. Over 15,000 San Franciscans are estimated to be living with HIV and 500 new infections are estimated to occur in the city each year. Unlike the House, the Senate has already unanimously passed legislation reauthorizing the Ryan White CARE Act, S. 2311. The Senate bill includes a provision that would ensure the stability of existing systems of care by limiting the annual funding cuts a local jurisdiction could suffer to 2% per year for a total of 10% over the five-year reauthorization period. S. 2311 is strongly supported by the SF AIDS Foundation. "If the proposed changes in the House version are adopted, San
Francisco would experience dramatic funding fluctuations that could reduce
access to physicians, clinics and primary medical care for people living
with HIV who are currently receiving services," said Fred Dillon, Director
of Public Policy for the AIDS Foundation. "We will work to ensure that the
Senate provision that protects established systems of care through a
gradual reduction in funding is ultimately adopted by Congressional
leaders."
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