Congressman Charlie Norwood Press Release
CONTACT: JOHN STONE PHONE (202) 225-4101 FAX (202) 226-0776 http://www.house.gov/norwood
September 21, 2006

Norwood Helps Move Federal HIV/AIDS Policy Modernization Effort through Committee
Greater Augusta Area could see $175,000 in new federal funding for HIV/AIDS Programs 

 

(Washington, DC) - U.S. Rep. Charlie Norwood (R-GA) today announced the Ryan White CARE Act providing federal assistance to HIV/AIDS victims will be renewed and modernized if legislation passed by the House Energy and Commerce Committee becomes law.

The Ryan White CARE Modernization Act was approved by the full committee in a 38-10 vote. The original Act, which expired in September 2005, was named after a 13-year old hemophiliac who was infected with and died from HIV through a blood transfusion.

Norwood says passing the modernization policy is critical to ensuring help goes to areas of the country where it is most needed. Under the original Act, funding was targeted on California, Massachusetts, and New York, which were first hit by the AIDS epidemic. Since then, however, case loads shifted toward Southern states, while the funding formula remained the same, due to an overemphasis on actual cases of AIDS, while overlooking preventive care for HIV patients who have not yet developed the full-blown disease.

"We should put the focus on HIV and AIDS cases equally," Norwood told committee members. "States and communities receive funding based on AID patients - that’s wrong and creates the worst incentives. The money needs to follow the infections. The days of defending Title 1 cities -- protecting them in statute -- must end and the money needs to go to the patients."

Under the new bill, Georgia will receive an additional $2 million in funding over the original formula. The Augusta-Aiken Metropolitan Statistical Area will receive $175,000. The changes also include requirements that a minimum 75% of all funds be spent on core medical services, including oral health.

The bill must next be approved by the full House and Senate and signed into law by the President.

 
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CONGRESSMAN CHARLIE NORWOOD 2452 RAYBURN BUILDING WASHINGTON,DC 20515 www.house.gov/norwood