Washington, DC--Congressman Eliot Engel announced a $1.9 million grant for Montefiore Medical Center by the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure women, infants, and youth living with HIV/AIDS receive comprehensive medical care and support services.

The funds are part of a nationwide total of $68 million provided by the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, to help people who lack sufficient health care coverage or financial resources to manage their HIV.

Rep. Engel said, “The New York City Department of Health reported that 23,544 of the 111,949 persons in New York City with HIV/AIDS as of June 30, 2011 live in the Bronx. Montefiore Medical Center in located to help the women, infants, and youth infected and lead productive lives.

“I was proud to vote for the creation of the Ryan White program when it was enacted in 1990, and have worked to strengthen the program ever since.”

The funds will help 114 community-based organizations, university hospitals and health departments nationwide provide core medical and support services for women, infants, children and youth in three main populations: 

• Those newly diagnosed or newly identified persons living with HIV/AIDS who are seeking medical care;
• Previously diagnosed patients who received medical care; and
• HIV/AIDS patients returning to care after more than a 12-month absence. 

“These grants make a real difference in the lives of these people and help to bring us closer to an AIDS-free generation,” said Rep. Engel.

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