Carper, Coons, Carney announce more than $700,000 for HIV prevention

WILMINGTON – U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and Representative John Carney (all D-Del.) today announced a total of $704,118 for the Delaware Division of Public Health from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Center for Disease Control and Prevent to implement comprehensive HIV prevention programs that focus on reducing new infections, increasing access to care, improving health outcomes for people living with HIV, and promoting health equity. The grant will enhance the Delaware Division of Public Health’s capacity to increase HIV testing, link HIV positive persons to medical care and other essential services, and increase program monitoring and accountability.

“Wellness and prevention programs are essential to diagnosing and treating illnesses before they become severe,” Senator Carper said. “I believe we need to change our country’s health care system from one that treats the sick to a health care delivery system that focuses on keeping Americans healthy. Targeted public health programs are useful tools to promote healthy lifestyles and practices that can reduce the occurrence of chronic diseases as well as bring down medical costs. This grant will help the Delaware Division of Public Health’s HIV Prevention Program do just that. With the help of the Department of Health and Human Services, the HIV Prevention Program will provide coordinated care for Delawareans affected by HIV/AIDS by connecting individuals with the appropriate counseling, testing, and referral services. Thanks to the implementation of this grant, the HIV Prevention Program will help foster a culture of prevention by providing Delawareans at risk for HIV/AIDS with the support they need and deserve.”

“Education is the key to stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS in Delaware,” Senator Coons said. “With more than 3,600 Delawareans currently living with HIV, this funding will provide the Delaware Division of Public Health with the resources they need to assist those who are infected and those who are at risk of contracting HIV. I welcome this important U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention grant and look forward to continuing my work with Delaware’s medical community to keep the First State healthy.”

“Far too many Delawareans and their families continue to struggle with the devastating impacts of HIV and AIDS,” Congressman Carney said. “This grant brings much needed resources to our community to increase HIV prevention and education efforts, provide more testing, and help those living with the disease gain access to the quality care and services they need.”

The grant, which was awarded at the end of December 2011, provides funding through December 2012. The grant project period runs to the end of December 2016.

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