Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2008. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bay Area Reporter - May 29, 2008
Cynthia Laird, c.laird@ebar.com
As reported last week, the Department of Public Health had proposed cutting $3 million in services for people living with HIV/AIDS, mostly in areas such as emergency financial assistance, legal help, and food services. Health Director Dr. Mitch Katz proposed the cuts.
While the mayor is trying to stem a projected $338 million budget deficit, he rejected the proposal from the health department that would have severely affected several nonprofits upon which PWAs rely for everything from help paying utility bills to getting groceries.
"I'm delighted to learn the mayor rejected the $3 million in cuts that Mitch recommended, allowing thousands of clients to continue to receive services they need to access medical care," Mike Smith, executive director of the AIDS Emergency Fund, told the Bay Area Reporter.
Smith, also president of the HIV/AIDS Providers Network, said last week that his agency stood to lose $250,000 if the cuts had gone through. AEF provides emergency financial grants to clients to help pay rent, utilities, medical co-pays, and other necessary expenses.
The San Francisco Chronicle reported that Katz proposed zeroing out money for food delivery, legal services, and other services in order to maintain funding for AIDS patients' medical care. But Smith rejected that reasoning.
"Dr. Katz's decision that support services for people living with AIDS [are] 'less important' in the grand scheme of things ... couldn't be further from the truth," Smith said. "PWAs need services like food and shelter to access medical care to stay healthy and I'm glad the mayor recognizes this."
A call to the health department seeking comment from Katz was not immediately returned.
Paul Miller, a client of AEF and several other agencies, told the B.A.R. that he couldn't imagine going without the vital services the groups provide.
"For myself, personally, I think people underestimate what a lifeline these agencies provide," Miller said. "As a client of AEF, it was the difference between being homeless and keeping my home."
Miller, who said he's 50-plus, also said he utilized benefits counseling services at the Positive Resource Center.
Brett Andrews, executive director of PRC, said that he, too, was "very pleased" with the mayor's decision.
"His rejection of the Department of Public Health proposed cuts sends a clear message to San Francisco of his commitment to HIV/AIDS" and to Care Not Cash and his Project Homeless Connect, both of which have populations that are disproportionately at risk for HIV/AIDS," Andrews said Wednesday.
PRC was slated for a cut of about $380,000, Andrews said, which is about 13 percent of the agency's overall budget.
080529
BR080512
Copyright © 2008 - The Bay Area Reporter. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the The Bay Area Reporter.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2008. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2008. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .