$200K Cut From West Virginia's HIV-AIDS Program

Due to West Virginia’s low infection rate, the government is reducing federal funding for the state’s HIV/AIDS program by more than $200,000. Combined with cuts from the previous year, the reductions to the state total more than $617,000.

The Department of Health and Human Resources reported that this funding is being redirected to states with higher infection rates. According to Public Health Commissioner Marian Swinker, the state will be forced to eliminate a $20 reimbursement for HIV specimen collection and counseling services, but federal funds will still enable the Office of Laboratory Services to cover lab testing. However, HIV testing may no longer be available at every location every day.

The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.

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