Ryan White cuts
lead to service cutbacks in Florida

Palm Beach County, Fla., which had its federal Ryan White CARE Act grant for HIV services cut by 13% from last year's funding level, is planning sweeping reductions in HIV programs and services to offset the loss of more than $1.2 million, the Palm Beach Post reports. Funds for food allowances will be reduced by 75%, and legal aid services will be cut by 55%, say county officials. Eight of 52 caseworker positions at the Comprehensive AIDS Program of Palm Beach County will be eliminated, while an open caseworker job at the AIDS service organization Compass will remain unfilled. The maximum amount of time HIV patients can see caseworkers at both agencies will be reduced, as will access to mental health services and substance abuse treatment.

County officials say the cuts will result in about 600 HIV patients losing dependable transportation to medical appointments, 800 HIVers losing food assistance, and about 400 cut from case management and referrals programs.

Of 51 U.S. metropolitan areas that receive Ryan White funding, only the San Antonio area received a larger percentage loss in funding than did Palm Beach County. (The Advocate)