WASHINGTON, DC—In an effort to help Rhode Islanders with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) live longer, healthier lives, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that the Rhode Island Department of Health will receive $3,356,867 to provide lifesaving medications and support services to low-income people who have limited or no coverage from private insurance or Medicaid.

In 2006, there was an estimated 1,300 Rhode Islanders living with AIDS.

"This federal funding will help Rhode Islanders with HIV receive the medication, care, and support services they need to maintain healthy and active lifestyles," said Reed, a senior member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and member of the appropriations subcommittee that oversees federal funding for Department of Health and Human Services programs. Senator Reed helped reauthorize the Ryan White Care Act in 2006. "I am proud to have been a supporter of the Ryan White CARE Act, which has improved the quality of life for many Rhode Islanders living with this disease."

The grant, administered by the Ryan White CARE Act, will provide over $2 million for lifesaving medications through the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). The RI Department of Health and the AIDS Clinical Task Force work together to determine which drugs are listed on the formulary, considering issues such as patient needs and funding availability. To be eligible for the program, a person must be a Rhode Island resident, have HIV, and have an income less than 4 times (400%) the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

Every year, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program helps more than 530,000 people. In 2006, close to 158,000 ADAP clients were served through state ADAPs.

The Ryan White CARE Act was enacted in 1990 to help improve the quality and availability of care for low-income, uninsured, and underinsured people living with HIV and their families. Amended and reauthorized in May 1996, November 2000, and December 2006, the Act is named after the Indiana teenager, Ryan White, who became an active public educator on HIV/AIDS after he contracted the syndrome. He died the same year the legislation was passed.