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Sullivan County, NY - Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today announced a $2,327,500, five-year federal grant for the HIV/AIDS program at Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC) in Harris, New York. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Service's (HHS) Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA) Division of Independent Review is administering the funds, which are part of a highly competitive grant program available through the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act.
"Securing these federal funds enables Catskill Regional Medical Center to continue its first-rate care and treatment of HIV/AIDS patients in the Sullivan County area," Hinchey said. "Providing compassionate and comprehensive care to those with HIV/AIDS is critically important and that is exactly what Catskill Regional Medical Center does so well. I'm very pleased that the federal government recognizes the great accomplishments of the HIV/AIDS program at CRMC and has invested another $2.32 million in their efforts to treat and counsel patients."
Sullivan County has the highest incidence of HIV per capita in the state outside of New York City. CRMC's HIV/AIDS program currently serves 250 patients. The medical center expects to serve at least 500 HIV/AIDS patients over the life of the new five-year grant. The grant continues a steady flow of federal funds to CRMC for its HIV/AIDS program, which provides patients with a wide array of services that includes dental, mental health, nutrition, nursing, and case management care.
"I am very pleased to learn that HRSA has approved the Ryan White, Title III grant funded by the federal government for the HIV/AIDS program at the Catskill Regional Medical Center through 2011. The entire staff works very hard to care for the patients in Sullivan County. This money will allow them to continue this valuable program," Gerard Ilaria, former Administration Director.
Dr. Gary Good, Medical Director, HIV/AIDS program at CRMC noted, "This funding makes everything
we do for the HIV/AIDS patients possible."
Aileen Gunther, Assemblywoman for the 98th Assembly District said, "The fears that the federal government would reallocate funding to other areas of the country was of great concern. I am so happy this deserving program and the patients who desperately need the care here in New York are going to continue being funded through the Ryan White program."
CRMC will receive $465,500 in federal funds annually from this grant, which lasts until June 30, 2011.
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