NCAAN Applauds $3M in ADAP Emergency Relief for North Carolina

The North Carolina AIDS Action Network applauds the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for releasing $3M in AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) emergency relief funding for North Carolina -- part of a total package of nearly $44M in federal funding for HIV/AIDS care and medications in our state.

"We're pleased to see the federal government recognizing that there's a great need to address HIV/AIDS in North Carolina and in the rest of the South," said NCAAN Executive Director Lisa Hazirjian.

These new funds will allow North Carolina to begin providing life-saving medications to many people living with HIV/AIDS who have been wait-listed for ADAP.

Currently 356 individuals with incomes between 125+% and 300% of the federal poverty line are on North Carolina's ADAP wait list. North Carolina's ADAP currently serves 5400 people with income at or below 125% of the federal poverty line.

Aaron Lucier, Board President of the Pitt County AIDS Service Organization (PiCASO) noted that "this additional funding comes at at a key time for those struggling with balancing needs like food and shelter with getting their medication in our rural areas, small towns and major cities."

Katherine Foster, President of AIDS Care Services, Inc., in Winston-Salem, welcomed the news as well. "These important funds will go a long way in keeping HIV+ individuals healthy and active so they can be there for their families and communities," Foster said. "When those living with HIV have access to life saving anti-retroviral medications, families will be more stable and productive. This has a positive impact on many people, not just those infected with the disease."

NCAAN will continue to talk with key state officials as they determine how many people these new funds will allow them to take off the wait list.

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