(Washington, DC, May 24, 2006) — Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen is pleased to announce that Virgin Islands Department of Health has received $244,150.00 in funding from the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

The Virgin Islands Department of Health has been given this funding for use in the Ryan White Care Act Title II grant project. This grant budget period will run from April 1, 2006 through March 31, 2007.  The goal of this project is to enable States to improve the quality, availability, and organization of health care and support services for individuals and families with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) disease. The territory will not use more than 10 percent of amounts received for planning and evaluation activities and may not use more than 10 percent of amounts received for administration. In addition, the total amount used for these activities cannot exceed 15 percent. If a State or Territory receives the minimum allotment, it may not use more than the amount required to support one full-time equivalent employee for these activities. Seventy-five (75) percent of grant funds must be obligated within 120 days of the budget period start date.

For additional information please contact the Virgin Islands Department of Health at #48 Sugar Estate, St. Thomas, VI 00802.