‘Indefinite’ hold on federal funding ends testing program for HIV, hepatitis C
Republished from Kentucky Lantern
Louisville-based Volunteers of America Mid-States ended a health outreach and prevention program on June 30, citing holds on federal funding.
The program provided HIV and hepatitis C testing, education, safe sex supplies and “linkage to care,” VOA Chief Operating Officer Anyah Hoang-Ansert said.
“Funding for the program has been on indefinite hold at the federal level, with no anticipated date for renewal. We understand how vital these services are to our community, and we are heartbroken by this change,” Hoang-Ansert said in a statement provided to the Lantern. “VOA will work with affected staff members to find open positions within the organization. And we will continue to integrate Health into other service lines and look for ways to fund that work.”
A VOA spokesperson said four staff members are affected and “we are working with (them) to find new positions within VOA.”
In a Tuesday social media post, VOA advised people who need the services it’s ending to seek help at the Louisville health department.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says people ages 13 to 64 should get tested for HIV “at least once” but some people should test more often, including men who have sex with men, anyone who has had sex with someone who has HIV and people who have shared needles.
The CDC also recommends people 18 and older get tested for hepatitis C at least once.
“We are incredibly proud of the impact that our team has made and the many lives we’ve touched through education, testing, and compassionate care,” the VOA social media post said. “Thank you for trusting us.”
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