Ryan White funding cut for BABES
Amid the 30th anniversary of AIDS, funding cuts prompt restructuring of BABES Network-YWCA, a peer-based program for women facing HIV that uses Rosehedge/Multifaith Works offices for meeting space. Cuts come as women and minorities become fastest growing population of the newly diagnosed.
The BABES Network-YWCA is streamlining operations in order to continue to serve HIV-positive women while also responding to the loss of federal funding. The newly structured program will provide leadership opportunities for BABES members while focusing on peer support for newly diagnosed women and those who are not currently under care. This new model will rely more on donations and volunteers – from both existing members and the broader community.
The BABES restructuring is largely in response to the Washington State Department of Health and HIV Planning Council‘s decision to cut all Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act funding to BABES. The Ryan White Act provides grants to states and hard-hit metropolitan areas to respond effectively to the changing epidemic. The funding cut amounts to a 75 percent decrease in BABES’ annual budget for 2011.
I am very excited about the new direction that the BABES program is going in. I think it is very important for women to step up and advocate for themselves and others, especially now with the funding changes for people living with HIV. It has been a tough transition, as change is really hard anyway. On July 19th some of BABES staff left due to layoffs. We had a heart-warming going away reception for some of those leaving. It was, however, very emotional for staff and BABES members because we have all become very close to one another.
Now that we have started towards our new direction it seems that the program will not change too much. The Peer volunteers are already facilitating support groups and on their way to providing one on one peer support to other women living with HIV. We want the Community to know that we are “Still HERE”!
To learn more about BABES got to www.babesnetwork.org we are also on Facebook BABES Network-YWCA!
Nicole Price
Program Manager
The BABES Network-YWCA is streamlining operations in order to continue to serve HIV-positive women while also responding to the loss of federal funding. The newly structured program will provide leadership opportunities for BABES members while focusing on peer support for newly diagnosed women and those who are not currently under care. This new model will rely more on donations and volunteers – from both existing members and the broader community.
The BABES restructuring is largely in response to the Washington State Department of Health and HIV Planning Council‘s decision to cut all Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act funding to BABES. The Ryan White Act provides grants to states and hard-hit metropolitan areas to respond effectively to the changing epidemic. The funding cut amounts to a 75 percent decrease in BABES’ annual budget for 2011.
I am very excited about the new direction that the BABES program is going in. I think it is very important for women to step up and advocate for themselves and others, especially now with the funding changes for people living with HIV. It has been a tough transition, as change is really hard anyway. On July 19th some of BABES staff left due to layoffs. We had a heart-warming going away reception for some of those leaving. It was, however, very emotional for staff and BABES members because we have all become very close to one another.
Now that we have started towards our new direction it seems that the program will not change too much. The Peer volunteers are already facilitating support groups and on their way to providing one on one peer support to other women living with HIV. We want the Community to know that we are “Still HERE”!
To learn more about BABES got to www.babesnetwork.org we are also on Facebook BABES Network-YWCA!
Nicole Price
Program Manager
posted by Rosehedge/Multifaith Works at
1:22 PM
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