Reps. Panetta and Lofgren Announce Federal Funding for Santa Cruz County HIV Prevention Services

Santa Cruz, CA – United States Representatives Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) announced federal funding to support local HIV/AIDS preventative services in Santa Cruz County.  The $134,936 grant awarded to the county will support community-based organizations providing treatment to individuals living with HIV/AIDS.  Funding was awarded through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program. 

“Ensuring individuals living with HIV/AIDS in our area have access to the care, treatment, and support services is essential to improving their lives and the well-being of our community,” said Reps. Panetta and Lofgren.  “The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program has a proven success in improving patient outcomes and reducing transmission rates and we are proud to announce federal funding for Santa Cruz County’s public health efforts.  As Members of Congress, we remain committed to community-driven care and strengthening these life-saving efforts for individuals and families in need.”

The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program provides a comprehensive system of HIV primary medical care, medications, and essential support service for low-income people with HIV.  The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program funds cities, counties, states, and local community-based organizations to provide HIV care, treatment, and essential services to more than 576,000 people. 

Americans served by the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program represent over half of the people diagnosed with HIV in the United States.  The program helped 90.6% of patients to be virally suppressed in 2023, which means they cannot sexually transmit HIV to their partners and can live longer and healthier lives.  Additionally, 57,000 health care professionals treating people with HIV received education and training through this program

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