From Texastribune · · 3m
Feds cut $29m HIV prevention funding for Texas
Texas loses $29.2m federal HIV prevention grants as Trump administration targets public health.
In brief
Texas loses $29.2m federal HIV prevention grants as Trump administration targets public health. Texas health groups face reduced HIV testing capacity after federal funding for community-based HIV prevention programs was cut. Originally reported by Texastribune.
Federal funding cut
The federal government has cut $29.2 million from Texas health organizations that test thousands of people for HIV directly in their communities.
PS21-2102 funding
Texas was the nation’s largest beneficiary of PS21-2102 funding, with grant money going to 11 community-based organizations over the last five years.
Community-based organizations
These organizations provide services directly in communities and are a key pillar of the HIV prevention network because they generally enjoy more trust than clinics.
Funding purpose
The federal dollars helped cover the costs of HIV tests, connect Texans to care and pay for HIV prophylaxis, which almost completely protects from infection.
Funding expiration
Without the grant, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention allowed to expire on Sept. 30, organizations have been left scrambling to find new sources of funding.
Expert opinion
Professor Philip Keiser said community-based organizations are critically important in getting out to reach their community and get people tested.
National funding
Rolled out in 2021, PS21-2102 provided $239 million to community-based organizations across the country.
Administration action
Its elimination comes as President Donald Trump’s administration has launched a far-reaching offensive targeting HIV-eradication efforts both domestically and abroad.
State funding shift
The CDC now gives a one-time pot of money to state health departments through May 2027, with Texas receiving over $5.2 million.
State allocation
Almost a quarter of that award, $1.2 million, will flow to community-based organizations, while the rest goes to other programs.
Annual funding loss
Texas community-based organizations had been receiving about $3 million annually from the CDC, but now face reduced funding.
Allies in Hope
Allies in Hope received about $441,000 annually from PS21-2102, which covered more than a quarter of 2,000 annual HIV tests.
State response
State Rep. Venton Jones vowed to replace federal dollars but warned state funding isn’t a permanent solution.
HIV diagnosis rates
Texas ranks fifth in the nation for new HIV diagnoses per capita, according to 2024 data from AIDSVu.
Efficiency comparison
Between 2012 and 2017, community-based organizations diagnosed a new case of HIV in 1.4% of CDC-funded tests, compared to 0.5% for local health departments.
Trust issues
Vivent Health Vice President Emma Sinnott said many clients don’t trust clinics due to stigma and fear of revealing their sexuality.
Funding impact
Vivent Health will have to reduce outreach events and may charge for STI testing panels after losing PS21-2102 funding.
The one thing
Texas health groups face reduced HIV testing capacity after federal funding for community-based HIV prevention programs was cut.
