Shelby County, Tennessee, is facing one of the highest HIV rates in the nation, with the local health department forfeiting over $3 million in federal HIV prevention funding in the past five years. Funding from the CDC was not fully utilized, leading to concerns about the lack of resources for testing, education, and support for those impacted by HIV.
Dr. Ralph Alvarado, Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner, blamed understaffing and bureaucratic red tape for the unspent funds, while the Shelby County Health Department pointed to delays in executing contracts and reassignments of sexual health workers due to the COVID-19 pandemic as reasons for the funding lapses.
Advocates in the community, like Cherisse Scott of Sister Reach, are troubled by the loss of funding, as it impacts their ability to provide critical services to individuals in need. Lawmakers, including Rep. G.A. Hardaway, are planning to address the issue and investigate why the funds were not spent in a timely manner.
Despite rising HIV rates in the county, there has been conflicting data on the number of new infections, with Dr. Alvarado reporting a decrease in cases after resolving a backlog in investigations. The state has since allocated its own funding for HIV prevention efforts, with Shelby County receiving $1.7 million in state dollars this year. However, concerns remain about the impact of missed opportunities for federal funding on the local HIV epidemic.
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