Maryland: Delayed HIV Funding Restored to Local Agencies

Ending a months-long delay, millions of federal dollars again are reaching local programs that serve people living with HIV/AIDS. The money was held up, federal officials say, because the fiscal year began March 1, but Congress did not pass a budget until April. In Maryland, 81 organizations depend upon $61 million in Ryan White CARE Act money to provide assistance to low-income patients, and during the funding gap some were forced to pare down their work. The food agency Moveable Feast, for example, had to cut aid to many clients and all their caregivers and children. Executive Director Tom Bonderenko said the group, which was due $172,000 as of Aug. 31, is now again receiving money through the city health department. Its services will be restored as of Oct. 15.

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