RICHMOND, VA—Equality Virginia today released the following statement from Executive Director Narissa Rahaman after the General Assembly passed a state budget including $13.2 million in funding for Ryan White Part B service providers.
“We are grateful that Virginia lawmakers included $13.2 million in funding to partially restore Ryan White Part B services in the final state budget. This investment will provide much-needed relief for HIV service providers across the Commonwealth and help strengthen access to care, treatment, and support services for Virginians living with HIV .
“For more than a year, providers have faced significant challenges following the loss of funding that supported Virginia’s HIV care safety net. While today’s action will not resolve every challenge facing the system, it represents an important step toward restoring stability for providers and the communities they serve.
“We are especially grateful to the HIV service providers, advocates, patients, and lawmakers who worked tirelessly to elevate the importance of this funding throughout the budget process. Their voices helped ensure that the needs of Virginians living with HIV remained part of this conversation.
“As implementation moves forward, Equality Virginia remains committed to working alongside providers, community partners, and policymakers to strengthen Virginia’s HIV care infrastructure and ensure every Virginian has access to the care and support they need to thrive.”
Media Contact:
Reed Williams
Communications Director
Equality Virginia