ARCS Denounces Cuts to New York State AIDS Institute

Hawthorne , NY —AIDS-Related Community Services (ARCS) denounces the 2% cuts to programs within the state's AIDS Institute budget, made public this week. The 2% cut would affect most programs including funding for Community Service Providers, the state's safety-net of AIDS service organizations that provide comprehensive services to tens of thousands of people living with HIV/AIDS throughout the state. ARCS is one of New York 's CSPs.

“Though federal resources under the Ryan White program shrank, New York State still leads the nation for new AIDS cases and HIV infection rates,” said Jeff Kraus, ARCS' Executive Director. “Closer to home, the Hudson Valley has the highest new HIV infection rates in the state outside of New York City .

“Funding for Community Service Providers was not increased for more than a decade under former Governor Pataki. Despite economic forecasts, it is unconscionable for the state to cut funding to services for people living with HIV/AIDS, and those at high risk of infection. The state budget should not be balanced on the backs of society's most vulnerable members.”

Recent reports have shown that new HIV infections in New York State continue to increase. Women of color and young gay men of color continue to be disproportionately affected by the epidemic. A study on teen pregnancy revealed that 1 in 4 teenage girls in the U.S. have been infected with at least one of the most common sexually transmitted infections.

Direct services such as outreach to at-risk teenagers, substance abuse programs, treatment adherence and HIV testing programs have all been cut. Slashing such critical services at a time when more resources must be dedicated to combat HIV/AIDS is counterintuitive and detrimental to thousands of New Yorkers. This year, community HIV/AIDS providers had asked for small increases to programs in light of increasing infection rates in communities of color and among young gay men. The state's cuts come at the same time providers are dealing with massive cuts in federal Ryan White funding to New York State, totaling over $20 million.

Kraus continued, “We find these cuts appalling in light of new CDC reports indicating increases in HIV infections. It is disappointing that Albany leadership is electing to be pennywise at this time of tremendous need.”

AIDS-Related Community Services (ARCS) is the largest organization solely dedicated to providing HIV/AIDS services, prevention education, and outreach to the Hudson Valley region. Founded in 1983, ARCS touches the lives of over 25,000 people annually through offices in Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties. Visit www.arcs.org for complete information on ARCS' programs and services.

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Note: For more information or for additional quotes, please contact J. Dewey at (914) 785-8326 or by email at jdewey@arcs.org .