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May 28, 2008
San Francisco Mayor Defends AIDS Programs
HIV/AIDS programs in San Francisco may be spared an additional $3 million in funding cuts following local and state budget changes, the San Francisco Chronicle reports (sfgate.com, 5/28).
Hoping to help the city tackle a projected $338 million deficit, San Francisco public health chief Dr. Mitch Katz recently proposed eliminating services for people with HIV/AIDS that the city does not provide to “anyone else with chronic diseases,” including food deliveries, legal services, acupuncture, massage, herbal therapy and support groups.
Mayor Gavin Newsom, however, has rejected Katz’s proposal, saying he “couldn’t in good conscience justify” cutting AIDS-related services.
Still, community programs that receive public health funding, including AIDS nonprofits, are facing a 22 percent cut in the mayor’s budget.
According to the Chronicle, 800 to 1,000 people are diagnosed with HIV or AIDS in San Francisco every year.
