Virginia: Agency Found to Administer AIDS Grant Funds

Norfolk, Va., expects to hand over management of a federal AIDS treatment grant to the Planning Council, a private, nonprofit human services provider, officials said Thursday. The city's search for an outside agency to administer its Ryan White funds began this spring after years of complaints. Norfolk has one of the worst records in the nation for using federal money for low-income AIDS patients. City officials estimate that as many as 900 residents who have tested HIV-positive are not receiving care.

The federal grant pays for care for uninsured AIDS patients throughout Hampton Roads. A dispute with Eastern Virginia Medical School, which operates local AIDS clinics, disrupted care for hundreds of patients for three months this year. City administrators have failed to spend nearly $1 million in available funding.

The grant funds are now managed by a program director in the city manager's office. The Norfolk Health Department previously administered the funds. The Planning Council takeover would be the third administration change in five years. Because the grant includes money for administrative costs, giving the work to an outside source will not cost the city anything, according to City Attorney Bernard Pishko, who said a deal with the council is likely, though not yet signed.

Pishko said the Planning Council is reviewing resumes for the position of Ryan White program director. Shirley Tyree, who currently holds the job, does not plan to remain, he said. Tyree has defended her work, but she has been unpopular with many doctors, nurses, and others who treat Ryan White patients.

"I have great anticipation that this will be better," said Jim Spivey, executive director of the Tidewater AIDS Crisis Taskforce, which provides services using Ryan White funds. "The Planning Council has a good reputation."

Back to other news for October 10, 2003