Introduction to HIV Prevention Funding Cuts
The Los Angeles LGBT Center says lives are now at risk since funding for HIV prevention has been cut off by the county.
In a sharply worded post on Instagram, Joe Hollendoner, the nonprofit’s CEO, says its progress in reducing the number of new HIV transmissions in the region is now in jeopardy thanks to budget cuts. The county blames the Trump administration for the loss of funding.
The Impact of Funding Cuts
“We have seen a radical decline in new HIV cases as a result of our HIV prevention efforts here in Los Angeles and what I’m incredibly worried about is if the county stops funding HIV prevention work, that new cases will skyrocket,” Hollendoner said. The county had a $1.8 million contract with the center that provided clinics and outreach services to communities at risk of HIV infection. Hollendoner said the loss of funding could result in 30 job cuts and infections could rise again.
Health Disparities and Funding Cuts
“What we know is that there are still health disparities among communities of color, immigrant populations as well as trans communities, and so the divestment of HIV protection services will only enable those disparities to continue, if not grow,” he said. In a social media post, LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said it wasn’t the county’s doing in cutting the funds, but rather the president’s administration.
Federal Funding and Responsibility
“The designated HIV-prevention money the county sends to our partners comes directly from the federal government,” Horvath’s post read. “The new administration has completely abandoned its promises to fund this life-saving work.” Let’s be clear: LA County is not the one cutting HIV prevention funding–the Trump admin is. The designated HIV-prevention $ the County sends to our partners comes directly from the federal govt. The new admin has completely abandoned its promises to fund this life-saving work. https://t.co/DTPyO0y7gx— Lindsey P. Horvath (@LindseyPHorvath) May 6, 2025
Conclusion
The cuts to HIV prevention funding have significant implications for the health and well-being of communities at risk of HIV infection. The Los Angeles LGBT Center and LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath emphasize that the Trump administration is responsible for the loss of funding, which could lead to a rise in new HIV cases and exacerbate existing health disparities.
FAQs
Q: Who is responsible for the cuts to HIV prevention funding?
A: The Trump administration is blamed by LA County for the loss of funding.
Q: How much funding was cut?
A: The county had a $1.8 million contract with the Los Angeles LGBT Center.
Q: What are the potential consequences of the funding cuts?
A: The loss of funding could result in 30 job cuts and a rise in new HIV cases, particularly among communities of color, immigrant populations, and trans communities.
Q: What services were provided by the Los Angeles LGBT Center?
A: The center provided clinics and outreach services to communities at risk of HIV infection.
Q: How can the funding cuts be addressed?
A: The Los Angeles LGBT Center and LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath are advocating for the Trump administration to restore funding for HIV prevention efforts.
