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GMHC DENOUNCES CUTS TO NEW YORK STATE AIDS INSTITUTE
Albany, NY/April 1, 2008 — Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) denounces the 2% cuts to programs within the state's AIDS Institute budget, made public late Monday. The 2% cut would affect most programs including funding for Community Service Providers, the AIDS service organizations that provide comprehensive services to tens of thousands of people living with HIV/AIDS throughout the state.
"The number of New Yorkers living with HIV and AIDS continues to increase dramatically, even while federal resources under the Ryan White program shrink," said Marjorie J. Hill, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of GMHC.
"Funding for Community Service Providers was not increased for more than a decade under former Governor Pataki. Despite economic forecasts, it is unconscionable for the state to cut funding to services for people living with HIV/AIDS, and those at high risk of infection. The state budget should not be balanced on the backs of society's most vulnerable members."
Recent reports have shown that new HIV infections in New York State continue to increase. Women of color and young gay men of color continue to be disproportionately affected by the epidemic. A study on teen pregnancy revealed that 1 in 4 teenage girls in the U.S. have been infected with at least one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. New York State continues to be the epicenter of the AIDS epidemic in the U.S.
State programs impacted include vital services for at-risk children, pregnant women, HIV core services, HIV testing, and prevention education. Cutting such critical services at a time when more resources must be dedicated to combat HIV/AIDS is not only counterintuitive, but also detrimental to thousands of New Yorkers.
This year, community HIV/AIDS providers had asked for small increases to programs in light of increasing infection rates in communities of color and among young gay men. The state's cuts come at the same time providers are dealing with massive cuts in federal Ryan White funding to New York State, totaling over $20 million.
Dr. Hill continued, "We find these cuts appalling in light of new reports out of the CDC indicating increases in HIV infections. It is disappointing that Albany leadership is electing to be pennywise at this time of tremendous need."
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Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the fight against AIDS. Our mission is to reduce the spread of HIV disease, help people with HIV maintain and improve their health and independence, and keep the prevention, treatment and cure of HIV an urgent national and local priority. In fulfilling this mission, we will remain true to our heritage by fighting homophobia and affirming the individual dignity of all gay men and lesbians. We provide services and programs to over 15,000 men, women and families that are living with or affected by HIV/AIDS in New York City. For more information, please visit www.gmhc.org.
© 2008 Gay Men's Health Crisis
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