Oregon AIDS Drug Program Stops New Enrollments

Oregon public health officials have put a temporary freeze on new enrollments into the AIDS drug assistance program (ADAP). Dr. Mel Kohn, state epidemiologist, said the freeze is needed because higher drug prices and an 88 percent increase in applicants in the past two years have overwhelmed the program's $3.8 million annual budget. The number of enrollees rose from 558 in 1999 to 1,051 in 2001 because of the state's economic downturn. "We deeply regret having to take this step," Kohn said. "We know this will have a serious impact on people who need this help." The state receives 20 to 25 new applications per month. The state's ADAP served about 1,100 people, or about 21 percent of the 5,200 Oregonians infected with the virus. More than 90 percent of the program's budget comes from federal sources.

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