June 23, 2008

Connecticut HIV Testing Program to Close After Funding Cut

Having lost state funding, an HIV testing initiative in East Hartford, Connecticut, will be forced to shut its doors in July, The Hartford Courant reports (courant.com, 6/22).

According to the article, the program has provided confidential testing and counseling to hundreds of people over the past four years. Its director, Tracy Calloway, says the effort is the only convenient option for large numbers of intravenous-drug users and others at risk for HIV infection in East Hartford.

One 20-year-old woman told the Courant: “It took a lot for me to get the nerve to come over here, but it gets easier every time. If they close this program up, I don't know what I'm going to do.”

The program received $75,000 last year, but its application for continued funding was denied this year because of competition from other providers.

“I don't have a professional grant-writer, but I do have a lot of people who rely on me to be tested,” said Calloway. “To me, that should be the basis for determining who gets funded, not who turned in the most polished application.”

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Previous Comments:

Tracy Calloway, Manchester, 2008-08-24 18:04:51
Would LOVE to get in touch with Cathi W..I cried when I read your comments. Is there any way to forward my email address to her and ask her to contact me?

Tracy Calloway, Manchester, 2008-08-24 18:01:14
I would like to thank those who believe in me and supported my efforts to keep things going. Apparently the fact that we were the only FREE site in the area, and provided onsite testing to shelters, drop in centers and schools as well as providing flexible evening hrs was not compelling enough to make a difference. I no longer have a OBLIGATION to my clients, but continue to check v/m and return calls weekly,but most cannot pay or dont' have transportaton to get there. So now what?

Tracy Calloway, Manchester, 2008-08-24 17:34:49
Was quite surprised to see this here today and I would like to Thanks those who believe in and support the cause and my efforts to keep things going. There was no alternative funding and I am still checkin voicemails on a weekly basis to refer clients to othet sites. HOWEVER there ARE NO FREE testing sites in that area which was my arguement all along. I provided onsite testing at shelters,drop in centers, schools,and worked nights to accomodate those who work during the day. What else can I say

Catherine (cathi), WindsorLocks,CT, 2008-07-25 10:29:44
I was saddened when I read the article in the Hartford CT. about Tracy losing her funding. Another smal and trusted public service closed for the good of the State.sic. I don't pretend to know anything about Tracy Calloway the adult, yet I do know a little something about the girl. I met and had the priveledge to know Tracy Calloway during my formative years. She has a way of touching your heart and leaving footprints that last a lifetime. God Bless, C.W.

pwacoalitiontampabay, Tampa Fl, 2008-06-25 00:25:40
I empathize with Calloway, but there only a set amount of dollars available. It is up to the requesting agency (grouP_ ) to provide a compelling argument for funding. Calloway now has an obligation to ensure that the people served get plugged into an alternative or find aternative funding.

Greg747, Patchogue, NY, 2008-06-24 10:53:04
Well, Tracy, what can I say? Sounds like you and I have been invovled in actually caring about people for too long - we are dinosaurs. Paper pushers have won the day in Washington DC, HRSA, et al, and apparently they have won in Hartford too. Join the club. Caring about the poor and disadvantaged is no longer fashionable in the AIDS business, it's medical services or hit the road! Best of luck to you. Hope you win in the long run.