There are over 1 million people in the US with the HIV virus, according to a 2008 statistic given by the U.S. Center for Disease Control. This number continues to grow, but unfortunately our healthcare system is not growing with it. Thus the government, alongside private foundations, is stepping in with medical grants for people with HIV/AIDS whose medical coverage just isn’t enough to cover the care that they need, as well as for researchers looking for innovative ways to treat and cure the disease.
Below is a list of several of the larger HIV/AIDS grants programs here in the US:
Ryan White HIV/AIDS Grant Program
The Ryan White Program is the only government grant program that awards money specifically to individuals with HIV/AIDS. It is run by the HHS, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and HIV/AIDS Bureau (HAB). The program uses the government money to award smaller grants to individuals living with HIV/AIDS, as well as to fund needed equipment updates in hospitals amongst other things. Visit the HRSA website to find out if you qualify.
In April of this year the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that it would give almost $2 billion in medical grants to fund HIV/AIDS patient care. This money will be distributed by the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Grant Program and will be used to update hospital equipment for HIV treatments, enhance primary care and support services for HIV/AIDS patients and provide funding for patients who don’t have sufficient healthcare coverage for the treatments they need.
Elton John Aids Foundation- USA
This AIDS foundation funded by renowned Elton John has two separate grant funds: one in the UK and one in the US. US grant fund provides grants to individuals and foundations located in the Americas and Caribbean. EJAF USA awards grants three times a year – in February, July, and October. ‘EJAF focuses on supporting community-based prevention programs, harm reduction programs, public education to reduce the stigma of HIV/AIDS, advocacy to improve AIDS-related public policy, and direct services to persons living with HIV/AIDS, especially populations with special needs’ as stated on their website.
Elizabeth Glasser Pediatric Aids Foundation
This foundation gives grants to researchers focusing on pediatric HIV/AIDS.The grants offered are as follows: Elizabeth Glasser Scientist Award, basic research grants, Scholar Awards, Short-term Scientific Awards, Emergency Assistance and Student Intern Awards.
