The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) directs national health programs which improve the health of the Nation by assuring quality health care to underserved, vulnerable and special-need populations and by promoting appropriate health professions workforce capacity and practice, particularly in primary care and public health.
The HIV/AIDS Bureau (HAB) of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) was formed in August 1997 to consolidate all programs funded under the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act. The CARE Act was signed into law on August 15, 1990 to improve the quality and availability of care for people with HIV/AIDS and their families. Amended and reauthorized in May 1996, 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.
The HIV/AIDS Bureau conducts CARE Act programs to benefit low-income, uninsured and underinsured individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS. Total appropriations for HRSA-funded CARE Act programs since FY 1991 is approximately $6.4 billion.
In serving people and families affected by HIV/AIDS, the Bureau, headed by HRSA Associate Administrator Joseph F. O'Neill, M.D., M.P.H., has identified four factors that have significant implications for HIV/AIDS care, services and treatment:
- The HIV/AIDS epidemic is growing among traditionally underserved and hard-to-reach populations.
- The quality of emerging HIV/AIDS therapies can make a difference in the lives of people living with HIV.
- Changes in the economics of health care are affecting the HIV/AIDS care network.
- Policy and funding increasingly are determined by outcomes.
The HIV/AIDS Bureau administers CARE Act HIV/AIDS programs that provide:
- HIV emergency relief grant program for eligible metropolitan areas (EMAs) under Title I
- HIV care grants to States and eligible U.S. territories under Title II
- HIV early intervention services and planning grants under Title III
- Coordinated HIV services and access to research for children, youth, women, and families under Title IV
- Special Projects of National Significance (SPNS) Program, HIV/AIDS Dental Reimbursement Program, and AIDS Education and Training Centers (AETC) Program under Part F
Within the Bureau, the Division of Service Systems administers Titles I, II and the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP); the Division of Community Based Programs administers Titles II, IV and the HIV/AIDS Dental Reimbursement Program; and the Division of Training and Technical Assistance administers the AIDS Education and Training Centers Program. The Bureau's Office of Science & Epidemiology (OSE) administers the Special Projects of National Significance Program and data and evaluation activities.
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