HIV and Disability Law

A new report authored by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD) shows that the nation’s overall funding for HIV prevention programs has been relatively flat in recent years while an estimated 56,000 people continue to become infected each year in the U.S.

Based on a survey of 65 health departments receiving direct federal HIV prevention funding, including every state and territory, plus six cities, the report provides the first comprehensive inventory of how HIV prevention is delivered across the country. Funding for HIV prevention efforts administered by state and local health departments reached $581 million in fiscal year 2007. More than half ($337 million) of HIV prevention funding comes from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); 38 state and local governments also contribute ($205 million). Since fiscal year 2004, overall funding has been flat, with the exception of a $35 million increase from the CDC in 2007 to expand HIV testing.

Even among states with some of the largest HIV/AIDS populations, total investment in HIV prevention from federal, state and local funds was relatively small, with only six states with total prevention budgets greater than $20 million in fiscal year 2007. Facing budget shortfalls, states may be forced to cut prevention spending in the year ahead, as has California, which slashed state funding for HIV prevention by more than 80 percent this week.

Health departments generally provide a core set of HIV prevention services, including health education and risk-reduction activities, HIV testing and partner services. Other activities include laboratory testing, community planning and public education and media campaigns. Some jurisdictions also provide post-exposure prophylaxis, syringe access and drug-substitution services.