Cutting off HIV treatment assistance in Florida threatens lives and communities

Florida is on the verge of abruptly ending HIV treatment assistance to 16,000 people with HIV enrolled in its Ryan White AIDS Drug Assistance Program. These cuts will impact communities throughout the state, will threaten the lives of people with HIV, and will lead to spikes in new HIV diagnoses and a rise in health care costs as people with HIV develop serious infections requiring hospitalization.  

HIV treatment disruptions of this magnitude will result in a public health disaster. Florida must follow due process and work with health care professionals, people with HIV and the state legislature to address any funding challenges.  

On behalf of people with HIV in Florida and their health care professionals, HIVMA urgently appeals to the state’s leadership to withdraw these cuts that will affect 50% of the 32,000 Florida ADAP clients and leave many without access to HIV treatment and other health care services. We must not allow this reckless action to reverse Florida’s progress in responding to a disease that is fatal if left untreated.   

— Anna K. Person, MD, FIDSA — Chair, HIVMA 

About HIVMA 

The HIV Medicine Association is a community of more than 6,000 health care professionals who advance a comprehensive and humane response to the HIV pandemic, informed by science and social justice. HIVMA works to increase access to health care services and coverage for people with HIV and populations heavily impacted by HIV and to foster a robust, diverse and culturally competent HIV workforce. HIVMA is part of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Visit hivma.org to learn more.