California: Monterey County HIV/AIDS Groups to Merge

To save money and become more efficient, two Monterey County HIV/AIDS groups have announced plans to join forces.

"We saw the writings on the wall," said Tom Melville, a spokesperson for John XXIII HIV/AIDS Services. The organization will combine with the Monterey County AIDS Project (MCAP) to become Central Coast HIV/AIDS Services (CCHAS).

Melville's remark was a reference to the actions of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who in July used his line-item veto authority to cut $52 million from AIDS prevention and awareness efforts. This reduced the combined budgets of the two agencies by about a quarter-million dollars, or 25 percent.

"Consolidating just makes sense," Melville said. "We realized this was not going to get any better anytime soon."

Toward their goal of providing more "sustainable and streamlined continuous care" for those living with HIV, the groups' boards in August voted to merge.

CCHAS will operate from John XXIII's office on Baldwin Street in Salinas as well as from MCAP's space on Hamilton Avenue in Seaside.

Melville said he will lead CCHAS as executive director. Kathleen Banks, MCAP's executive director, will leave to spend more time with her family, Melville said.

The two groups have already begun consolidating, Melville said, though the transition will not be complete for two to six months -- after MCAP's nonprofit status expires.

MCAP's 19th annual Feast for AIDS fundraiser, which will now benefit CCHAS, takes place on Nov. 15. For information, telephone 831-442-3959.

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