California HIV/AIDS Regional Clinic Gets $350,000 to Expand Its Services

The Center for AIDS Research, Education and Services (CARES) on Tuesday received a $350,000 Ryan White grant to boost care for HIV-positive youths and women, Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Calif.) announced.

CARES Executive Director Bob Kamrath said the competitively awarded money targets populations not previously funded at the clinic with this type of grant. "This is especially important given the increasing HIV infection rates among youth and the disproportionate impact of HIV rates among women in our uninsured and underinsured populations," he said.

The clinic is the Sacramento region's largest HIV/AIDS nonprofit provider, offering testing, primary and specialized care, dental, pharmacy, education, behavioral health and counseling services to more than 2,500 residents annually, said Kamrath. CARES, located at 1500 21st St. in Sacramento, has an overall budget of $12.5 million. It has been recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance as a Level III Patient-Centered Medical Home -- a special distinction for a community clinic, he noted.

Kamrath estimates the region is home to 4,000-5,000 people living with HIV/AIDS, 20 percent to 25 percent of whom likely do not know they are infected. CARES provides free walk-in HIV testing for residents to learn their status.

Back to other news for August 2012