Maryland: Grant-Funded AIDS Clinic in Savage Is Closing

Due to budget issues, Johns Hopkins Hospital's grant-funded AIDS clinic in Savage will close by the end of the month. According to John M. Gerwig III, Hopkins' program manager, Baltimore County Health Officer Dr. Peter L. Beilenson called Hopkins officials in January to tell them the program was ending.

"We're taking budget cuts midyear," said Beilenson, who said the change is the result of state budget reductions to local health offices.

Gerwig has sent letters about the matter to 85 program patients. Those who want to continue working with the same physicians can present for treatment at Hopkins Moore Clinic at the East Baltimore hospital campus.

Howard County health officials say they hope the Savage clinic's services can be moved to the Chase Brexton clinic in Columbia.

Chase Brexton, Hopkins, and People's Community Health Centers are competing for a federal Ryan White grant that is expected to be awarded by month's end, said Ralph Brisueno, who administers the competitive bidding process for the Baltimore City Health Department.

Dawn O'Neill, Beilenson's deputy director, said the county Health Department can save up to $175,000 if Chase Brexton gets the grant and takes over administrative functions. This would let the county eliminate a program manager's job and a high-level data entry position, and it could reassign several other workers who spend part of their time at the twice-monthly clinic. The new clinic would be accessible five days a week, and transportation assistance will be available for patients without cars.

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