Whitman-Walker HIV prevention project loses funds

The Washington, D.C.-based HIV/AIDS Administration this week announced a 55% reduction in funding in 2004 for an HIV prevention program conducted by the Whitman-Walker Clinic for white gay and bisexual men, The Washington Blade reports. Funding for the program, called GNET, will be cut from $440,000 to $200,000. HAA officials said the funding cut was made to comply with new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to target more funding toward HIV antibody testing and prevention programs aimed at keeping HIV-positive people from exposing others to the virus. The GNET program provides safer-sex information and free condoms at gay bars and clubs, holds workshops, and provides individual counseling and skills-building sessions to gay men in the Washington area.