Xavier Becerra United States Secretary of Health and Human Services | Official Website
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced over $1.4 billion in Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program funding for the HRSA AIDS Drug Assistance Program and related awards. This funding aims to provide lifesaving medication, quality HIV health care, and essential support services to individuals with HIV who have low incomes. The announcement aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s National HIV/AIDS Strategy.
HRSA-supported AIDS Drug Assistance Programs cover costs for HIV medication, co-pays, co-insurance, and health insurance premiums that include HIV medication. This support helps individuals access antiretroviral therapies, which aid in achieving viral suppression—preventing sexual transmission of HIV and promoting longer, healthier lives. Without this assistance, annual costs for HIV medication could exceed $40,000 per individual.
Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm announced the awards during the opening plenary session of HRSA’s 2024 National Ryan White Conference on HIV Care & Treatment in Washington, DC. The event is attended by over 6,500 participants including Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program grant recipients; federal, national, state, and local partners; healthcare providers; and people with HIV. The conference theme is “Innovating to End the HIV Epidemic: Empowering Communities, Expanding Partnerships, Implementing Interventions.”
“The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program is the cornerstone of this nation’s response to the HIV epidemic,” said HHS Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm. “Over half a million people receive services through the program each year.” She emphasized that this funding enables access to life-saving medications proven to improve health outcomes and reduce transmission rates.
HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson highlighted their commitment: “When we talk about affordable medications... making sure everyone living with HIV gets antiretroviral therapy they need... That’s what our HRSA Ryan White Program delivers every day.” She reiterated their goal to reach more individuals not yet engaged in care but needing vital help.
The HRSA’s Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program serves over 560,000 low-income individuals with comprehensive medical care and support services tailored to meet community needs. It addresses social determinants such as housing and transportation that impact patients' ability to access treatment services. In 2022, 89.6 percent of clients receiving medical care were virally suppressed compared to 69.5 percent in 2010.
The biennial National Ryan White Conference on HIV Care & Treatment provides updates on programs and policies while sharing innovative interventions and best practices aimed at reducing health disparities related to HIV.
For more information about HRSA's Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program or a full list of fiscal year 2024 award recipients visit: http://ryanwhite.hrsa.gov/about/parts-and-initiatives/part-b-adap/fy-2024-grant-awards
