On May 5, 2006 U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt announced the availability of nearly $1.07 billion in grants for HIV/AIDS healthcare. The grants are funded under Title II of the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resource Emergency (CARE) Act, which was enacted in 1990 to address the health needs of people living with HIV disease, especially those with low incomes and inadequate health insurance. The Health Resources and Services Administration’s HIV/AIDS Bureau administers the program, which funds primary health care and support services for eligible individuals.

Much of the funding--$779.8 million--will be allocated for numerous AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAPs), federally subsidized, state-run programs that provide HIV/AIDS drugs to low-income individuals. ADAPs exist in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and five additional U.S. territories and jurisdictions. Learn more about the ADAP program in your state. Remaining funds will be allotted to the Minority AIDS Initiative and to “emerging communities” that show significant increases in HIV/AIDS cases.

"Because of these funds, people with HIV and AIDS can access the care and pharmaceuticals they rely on to stay healthy," said Leavitt. Approximately 571,000 individuals living with HIV/AIDS are served by Ryan White CARE Act programs.

Source: Health and Human Services Department Documents and Publications, May 5, 2006