Aug. 30, 2001 – The Virgin Islands is one of 14 jurisdictions to receive a supplemental federal grant to help fight HIV/AIDS. Delegate Donna Christian Christensen announced the award of $74,409 as part of the Ryan White CARE Act Amendments of 2000.
The Virgin Islands, deemed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to be in severe need of funding, is required to provide a 25 percent match for the ADAP (AIDS Drug Assistance Program) assistance.
The grant is being made to the Sexually Transmitted Disease and HIV office of the V.I. Health Department. The funds are to be used to make medications and other treatment available to Virgin Islanders with HIV and AIDS.
In a release Wednesday, Christensen said, "For too long our hands have been tied by not having the financial ability to develop a sustained effort to fight HIV/AIDS in the territory."
In June, Christensen, a physician, was honored by ADAP at an educational forum for her contributions and leadership in the area of HIV/AIDS prevention, education and research.
