HHS announces $24.1 million in Ryan White grants

Health and Human Services secretary Tommy Thompson on Tuesday announced 35 Ryan White grants totaling $24.1 million to provide HIV care and services for HIV-positive women and their families. The grants will be used to provide primary and secondary medical services, psychological care, logistical support, and outreach and case management. Access to clinical trials and treatment research also will be supported by the federal funds. "The number of women contracting HIV continues to grow, especially in racial and ethnic minority communities," Thompson said in a press release. "These grants will help ensure that care is available where needed for these women and their families." The federal government has spent more than $7.7 billion on Ryan White programs since 2001. President Bush has requested $2.1 billion in Ryan White spending for fiscal 2005.