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Copyright 2008. The Friends of AIDS Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
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For Immediate Release
May 17th, 2007
Contact: Anthony Bongiorno
Phone: 310.401.4755
May 17th, 2007
Contact: Anthony Bongiorno
Phone: 310.401.4755
CALIFORNIA BUDGET
The Friends of AIDS Foundation(FOA) today applauded Governor Schwarzenegger for fully
funding hiv/aids programs at existing levels, however urged the governor to use anticipated
savings to provide long-overdue increases to the HIV/AIDS portfolio.
“California’s Office of AIDS is doing a great job of managing its programs,” said Anthony
Bongiorno, President and Founder of The Friends of AIDS Foundation. "The money that was
saved this year could provide increased funding for programs that have been starved for years.”
The governor’s revised budget allocates $288.9 million to fully fund the AIDS Drug Assistance
Program (ADAP). This amount was less than expected because of savings achieved largely
through increased pharmaceutical drug rebates.
Over $9 million in rebate savings were used to augment existing programs on a one-time
basis. Another $7.2 million in additional savings was returned to the state's General Fund.
“All the savings realized in this program should remain for AIDS Services", said Bongiorno.
“The prevention programs need to be prioritized and fully funded. Since Governor Gray Davis cut
prevention funding by $4 million dollars it hasn’t been increased. "
The revised budget includes an increase of $4 million for the state’s Therapeutic Monitoring
Program ; an allocation of up to $1.8 million to backfill the expected loss of Ryan White CARE
Act funding to six California cities; $1.5 million for the AIDS Regional Information and Evaluation
System; and $500,000 to support the development and delivery of capacity building activities.
“We appreciate the governor’s support for HIV/AIDS programs,” Bongiorno continued,
“Howeverthe savings realized this year present an opportunity to do more to stop this epidemic.
Legislators are currently considering a $2.5 million request for HIV testing outreach, and $2
million to do rapid testing in hospital emergency rooms. We urge the governor to support these
initiatives.”
About The Friends of AIDS Foundation
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals
infected with HIV/AIDS and committed to preventing the future spread of this disease. FOA
programs and services utilize the harm reduction philosophy, which provides the necessary
information, options and support, so that individuals can make healthy choices and prevent
the transmission of HIV.
At The Friends of AIDS Foundation, we strive to eradicate HIV/AIDS by creating awareness,
delivering the crucial message: HIV DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE, and helping individuals create
the social change that is necessary to end this epidemic.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation(FOA) today applauded Governor Schwarzenegger for fully
funding hiv/aids programs at existing levels, however urged the governor to use anticipated
savings to provide long-overdue increases to the HIV/AIDS portfolio.
“California’s Office of AIDS is doing a great job of managing its programs,” said Anthony
Bongiorno, President and Founder of The Friends of AIDS Foundation. "The money that was
saved this year could provide increased funding for programs that have been starved for years.”
The governor’s revised budget allocates $288.9 million to fully fund the AIDS Drug Assistance
Program (ADAP). This amount was less than expected because of savings achieved largely
through increased pharmaceutical drug rebates.
Over $9 million in rebate savings were used to augment existing programs on a one-time
basis. Another $7.2 million in additional savings was returned to the state's General Fund.
“All the savings realized in this program should remain for AIDS Services", said Bongiorno.
“The prevention programs need to be prioritized and fully funded. Since Governor Gray Davis cut
prevention funding by $4 million dollars it hasn’t been increased. "
The revised budget includes an increase of $4 million for the state’s Therapeutic Monitoring
Program ; an allocation of up to $1.8 million to backfill the expected loss of Ryan White CARE
Act funding to six California cities; $1.5 million for the AIDS Regional Information and Evaluation
System; and $500,000 to support the development and delivery of capacity building activities.
“We appreciate the governor’s support for HIV/AIDS programs,” Bongiorno continued,
“Howeverthe savings realized this year present an opportunity to do more to stop this epidemic.
Legislators are currently considering a $2.5 million request for HIV testing outreach, and $2
million to do rapid testing in hospital emergency rooms. We urge the governor to support these
initiatives.”
About The Friends of AIDS Foundation
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals
infected with HIV/AIDS and committed to preventing the future spread of this disease. FOA
programs and services utilize the harm reduction philosophy, which provides the necessary
information, options and support, so that individuals can make healthy choices and prevent
the transmission of HIV.
At The Friends of AIDS Foundation, we strive to eradicate HIV/AIDS by creating awareness,
delivering the crucial message: HIV DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE, and helping individuals create
the social change that is necessary to end this epidemic.