One faces the future with one’s past. —Pearl Buck
No matter how familiar, the numbers still startle.
Since 1981, 1.7 million people in the United States have been infected with HIV. More than 580,000 have died. And the epidemic still rages.1
AIDS casts an ominous shadow on our history and on our future as a Nation and as a people. But with this shadow comes light—from pioneers, professionals, volunteers, activists, and people living with HIV/AIDS themselves.
These brave souls and the milestones and events that they have lived over the past quarter century have shaped the history of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program—and helped reduce disparities in access to health care for more than half a million people each year.
This Web site captures that history, and the knowledge that only history can offer. In this way we honor the past, and use it to build an ever-improving response to HIV and AIDS.
HIV/AIDS TIMELINE
10 Things You Need to Know About
The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program
The program is named after Ryan White, whose courageous struggle with AIDS helped educate the Nation.
It is the largest health care program specifically addressing HIV/AIDS.
Consumer and community involvement is central to the program and is mandated by law.
Service is not an entitlement.
The quality of care is high.
A full spectrum of opportunities is available for everyone to contribute.
As the payer of last resort, the program serves people who have fallen through the public safety net and would otherwise go without care.
Strong program controls ensure that funding is directed to do the most good.
Funding is awarded to organizations, not individuals.
The program is subject to reauthorization and revision by Congress.
Contact us at:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Health Resources and Services Administration
HIV/AIDS Bureau
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 7-05
Rockville, MD 20857
Telephone: 301.443.1993
