November 3, 2009
The state AIDS Drug Assistance Program has reached its enrollment capacity, the Tennessee Department of Health announced Monday. Going forward, new patients seeking ADAP's assistance will be put on a waiting list. Persons on the waiting list will receive help accessing HIV drugs through patient assistance programs sponsored by drug makers. ADAP, which has $25.3 million in funding, had enrolled 3,367 Tennessee patients as of June, compared to 2,706 at the same time in 2008. The heightened demand for services is said to be the result of increased HIV testing efforts, rising unemployment among those living with the virus, and the swelling ranks of the uninsured. For more information, visit http://health.state.tn.us/STD/ryanwhite.htm or telephone 800-525-2437.