Washington, DC -- Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) announced the awarding of a $438,730 grant for Montefiore Medical Center, being administered through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program’s Dental Reimbursement Program (DRB) to defray costs incurred by dental education institutions in providing dental care to persons living with HIV/AIDS.

New York State receives more than $300 million annually in Ryan White funds to provide a full range of health care and support services.  Rep. Engel championed an increase in funding in the bill to ensure that New York, which has the second largest number of HIV cases in America, could continue providing essential services to its residents. Through Ryan White programs, 22,000 uninsured New Yorkers receive medications and ambulatory care services, and thousands more receive other essential services.

Nationwide, the program provides care, treatment and support services to nearly half a million low-income people. Without this critical safety net, some of our nation’s most vulnerable populations would not receive the care and treatment they need.

Rep. Engel said, “HIV is the third leading cause of death below age 65 in New York City. HIV is also the health problem with the largest racial disparity; 80% of new AIDS diagnoses and deaths are among African-Americans and Hispanics.  Montefiore Medical Center is a stellar example of a facility which gives superior care and has a research department which is second to none.  I am proud to help them in fighting the scourge of HIV.”

"Montefiore has long been in the front lines in the fight against HIV/AIDS, so we are pleased that the U.S Department of Health and Human Services has recognized our work by awarding this grant," said Steven M. Safyer, MD, President and CEO of Montefiore Medical Center. "These funds will enable us to build on our experience and expertise and advance our HIV prevention efforts in the communities we serve.  We thank Representative Engel for his support in helping Montefiore obtain this important funding."

The 11-term congressman is a senior member of the Health Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

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