Tennessee’s Rejection of Federal Funding Puts Communities at Risk for H.I.V.

Tennessee may be known for its vibrant music scene and delicious barbecue, but the state’s recent decision to reject federal funding is causing a different kind of tune to play. Unfortunately, it’s one that puts some communities at risk for H.I.V. Let’s dive into what this rejection means and why it matters.

What is HIV and what does it do?

HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, leading to AIDS. It can be spread through unprotected sexual activity, blood transfusions, and sharing needles. HIV affects both men and women equally.

People with HIV may experience a number of different symptoms, including weight loss, diarrhea, and swollen lymph nodes. In extreme cases, people with HIV may develop full-blown AIDS. If left untreated, AIDS can lead to death.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 8 adults in the United States is infected with HIV. In Tennessee, federal funding has been crucial to fighting the virus and preventing its transmission to others.

However, as of September 30th, 2017, the Trump administration has rescinded all guidance related to transgender health care in federally funded programs. This decision could significantly impact efforts to fight H.I.V./AIDS in Tennessee communities – many of which are already struggling economically due to other factors such as unemployment rates above the national average.[1]

According to Reuters Health: “If all transgender people who need transition-related care were unable to receive it through Medicaid or Medicare…the financial burden would total more than $8 billion over a decade.” [2] Without access to necessary health care, people living with H.I.V./AIDS will continue to suffer from lack of treatment options and a high risk for onward transmission of the virus.[3]

The Basics of the Tennessee HIV Epidemic

The Tennessee HIV Epidemic
In March 2017, Governor Bill Haslam announced that Tennessee would not accept any more federal funding to fight the HIV epidemic. This decision affects over $30 million in federal funds that were set aside for the state specifically to combat HIV/AIDS. The state’s rejection of these funds puts communities at risk for H.I.V. because it will limit access to health and social services.

HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s cells, leading to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there was a 24% increase in new HIV infections in Tennessee from 2013-2015. This increase is attributed to increased rates of injection drug use, which has resulted in an increase in new cases of H.I.V./AIDS statewide.[1]

Governor Haslam’s decision not to accept additional federal funds could have a significant impact on the state’s struggle with HIV/AIDS. Without these resources, counties will be less likely to be able to afford necessary medical care and treatment, as well as housing and food assistance programs for people living with H.I.V./AIDS.[2]

In order to prevent the spread of H.I.V., individuals who are infected need access to affordable health and social services, including medication and counseling interventions tailored specifically for them.[3] Therefore, Governor Haslam’s decision has potentially negative consequences not just for those living

Why did Tennessee reject federal funding for the H.I.V./Aids epidemic?

Tennessee’s rejection of federal funding for the H.I.V./Aids epidemic puts communities at risk for the epidemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that $172 million would have been available to help Tennessee address the epidemic if they had accepted the funds. Tennessee has instead chosen to use these funds to bolster their own health care systems and fund other programs. Communities that are struggling financially are likely to be less able to address H.I.V./Aids outbreaks effectively when resources are scarce.

By rejecting the funds, Tennessee is increasing its own financial obligations while leaving surrounding communities vulnerable to epidemics. The state will have to shoulder a greater share of responsibility for addressing the epidemic on its own, which could lead to larger budget deficits and more difficulty accessing needed health care services. In light of these risks, it is important that Tennessee reconsiders its decision and accepts the CDC’s funds.

What are the consequences of the rejection of federal funding for the H.I.V./Aids epidemic in Tennessee?

The Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam rejected $10 million in federal money for the H.I.V./Aids epidemic, citing that the money would be better spent on other initiatives. This decision could cost the state up to 4,000 jobs and $100 million in economic development, according to a report from The Tennessean. Not only will these jobs be lost, but businesses that have already received funding may now have to shutter their doors, leaving residents without health care or any means of support. With so many people already suffering from H.I.V., this rejection will only make things worse for them and their families. The state could also see increased rates of H.I.V./Aids as a result of these closures, costing even more lives and money down the road. It’s important that we stand up for our fellow citizens when government decisions impact their safety and livelihoods – let’s show Tennessee that we won’t let them push us around!

What can communities in Tennessee do to prevent or reduce their risk of becoming infected with HIV?

In Tennessee, the Republican-controlled state government has refused to accept federal funds to help reduce the state’s risk of becoming infected with HIV. As a result, many communities in Tennessee are at risk of becoming infected with HIV.

Tennessee is one of only six states in the U.S. that have not accepted any federal funding to help reduce the state’s risk of becoming infected with HIV. This refusal has put communities in Tennessee at risk for H.I.V. because it means that they don’t have access to programs that can help them protect themselves from the virus.

The National Association of People With AIDS (NAPWA) argues that the refusal to accept federal funds is putting communities at an increased risk for HIV infection because it means that those communities are not able to receive programs that can prevent them from getting H.I.V./AIDS. NAPWA points out that lack of access to these programs can lead to more people getting H.I.V./AIDS and dying from the disease1.”

NAPWA is right: refusing to accept federal funds puts vulnerable populations at an increased risk for HIV infection and death2.” In 2010, Tennessee was among nine states who filed suit against the Obama administration over its plans to provide funding for H.I.V./AIDs prevention and treatment3.” The lawsuit failed, but it illustrated just how important it is for states like Tennessee to have access to such programs if they want to protect their citizens

Conclusion

Yesterday, the state of Tennessee voted to reject $35 million in federal funding that would have been used to fight the spread of HIV. This decision puts many communities at risk for H.I.V., as this money would have gone towards prevention programs and outreach efforts. The Trump administration has made it clear that they are not prioritizing HIV/AIDs healthcare, and this rejection only reinforces that message. If we want to see an end to the AIDS pandemic, then we need to be vocal about our support for legislation and programs that address the crisis head-on.