The Ryan White CARE Act

In August 1990, Congress signed the Ryan White CARE Act and in doing so created a system of services that has greatly improved the quality and availability of health care services for people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS. Named for Ryan White, the HIV positive teenager from Indiana who made headlines with his brave fight against ignorance and prejudice, the CARE Act funds a variety of health and social programs across the country. To understand the importance of the Ryan White Care Act, one must look at the essential services it provides.

Who Was Ryan White?

Title I

Title I provides grants in metropolitan areas where the epidemic has hit hardest. Metropolitan areas such as Detroit, Philadelphia and New York all receive these monies to provide care for the disproportional numbers of HIV infected persons in their cities. Services made available by Title I include

• outpatient health care
• case management
• home health and hospice care
• housing
• nutrition services
• transportation

  HIV Cases in Major Cities and States

Title II

Title II provides funding to states and is used for such services as:

• HIV testing
• education and prevention
• home and community based health care
• HIV medications through the State AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP)
• local agencies that assess the needs of the HIV population and assist in implementation of services to meet those needs
• direct health support services

  Index of State Drug Assistance Programs

  Testing & Prevention Resources

Title III

Title III provides for early intervention out-patient care for all persons living with HIV. Monies distributed to individual medical facilities and agencies provide primary medical care, health education, and psychosocial services designed to facilitate easy access to services, which in turn helps people live healthier, more productive lives.

Finding the Right HIV Specialist For You

Title IV

Programs funded by Title IV, provide family centered care for children, women and families. The majority of people serviced by Title IV are poor, minorities, and have limited access to housing and transportation.

Unique Problems Facing the HIV+ Woman

Special Projects of National Significance (SPINS)

These funds are targeted at innovative projects that address the needs of special and hard to reach populations. Rural populations, adolescents, and the homeless are just a few of the people benefiting from these funds.

Teens & Adolescents - How Does HIV Impact Them?

AIDS Education and Training Center (AETC) Programs

This national network conducts multidisciplinary education for health care providers across the United States.

HIV/AIDS Dental Reimbursement

These funds are provided to assist dental schools in providing dental care to HIV infected persons who are uninsured or are unable to afford dental care.

The Importance of Dental Care

AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP)

This program provides essential medications to those infected persons who are uninsured or are unable to afford the enormous cost of HIV related medicines. In 1997, the ADAP budget alone was approximately $167 million, and continues to increase as more people are living longer with HIV.

Index of State Drug Assistance Programs

It's obvious that the Ryan White CARE Act plays an essential role in the continuing battle against HIV in this country and around the world. Providing funds for comprehensive care and prevention assures that those living with HIV get the care they needed regardless of their financial resources or the ability to pay.