Federal HIV prevention grants to nearly 100 community groups end as the money moves to health departments
CDC's direct funding for community organizations ran out Sept. 30. Health departments get a one-time supplement through May 2027 and are encouraged, not required, to pass 10 or 25 percent of it on to community partners.
Atlanta. Direct federal money for HIV prevention at nearly 100 community organizations ran out on Sept. 30, as the federal government shifted the dollars to state and local health departments, Stateline reported on Oct. 1. Those departments are encouraged, not required, to share it with community groups.
The organizations were funded under PS21-2102, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention program announced in September 2020 for five years and open to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and tribal organizations. CDC's notice said it had partnered with community groups since the late 1980s "because of their accessibility, history, and credibility in the community." KFF counted $239.3 million paid to 96 organizations in 31 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, about $442,000 a year each.
What health departments get instead
CDC's guidance, updated July 14, offers a one-time supplement to the health departments that already hold its main HIV prevention award, for the year through May 31, 2027, each sized at 25 percent of the department's current award. The money is for HIV testing, surveillance data and, in Ending the HIV Epidemic jurisdictions, PrEP. For testing and PrEP work, CDC encourages at least 10 percent of the money to go to partnerships with community organizations, and at least 25 percent in Ending the HIV Epidemic jurisdictions.
The National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors told Stateline the supplements total about $90 million through May 2027. To match what community groups had received, health departments would have to pass on 35 percent overall, KFF estimated in August. Tennessee, which has turned down CDC HIV prevention funds, is not eligible. The Department of Health and Human Services referred Stateline's questions to the Office of Management and Budget, which did not respond.
Groups cut back or close
Texas health officials told Stateline the state plans to send about 23 percent of its grant, about $1.2 million, to community organizations. Jeffrey Campbell, chief executive of Allies in Hope, formerly AIDS Foundation Houston, told Stateline he expects to lose $441,000 and may lay off at least three staff members.
In Charlotte, N.C., Quality Comprehensive Health Center said on Aug. 21 that PowerHouse Charlotte, its drop-in center for young Black gay men, would close after more than 16 years of free HIV and STD screenings. Its chief executive, Dr. Ra'Shawn D. Flournoy, said people were sent there when the local health department had no room to test them.
“When the Health Department was at capacity, community-based organizations like ours helped provide another door. Now one of those doors is closing.”
Groups paid through a state rather than directly by Washington also lose eligibility for discounted drugs under the federal 340B program, Stateline reported.
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