Baltimore and surrounding counties in Maryland could lose more than $10 million in federal funding for AIDS services if Congress does not re-authorize the Ryan White bill.
Members of Congress are debating the funding formula that directs how funds are distributed between areas with relatively recent AIDS problems and areas with longstanding AIDS epidemics.
The bill has passed the House of Representatives but stalled in the Senate, with little progress likely until after elections.
The funding at the center of the debate helps HIV and AIDS patients get essential medical treatment.
“Losing the money would have an extremely devastating impact. We?re in danger of getting stuck in political crossfire, and we need to make sure patients don?t suffer from it,” said Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, commissioner of the Baltimore City Health Department.
