ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – With one of many highest HIV charges in Florida, Pinellas County depends on free, nameless testing to assist struggle the epidemic. However, non-profits main these efforts concern their packages could possibly be on the chopping block as lawmakers weigh main price range cuts.
What they’re saying:
Michael Jalazo, CEO of Individuals Empowering and Restoring Communities (PERC), mentioned their pop-up testing occasions routinely draw dozens of individuals.Â
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“Seventy folks got here in just some hours,” he mentioned. “We wish to increase, however we’re unsure what cuts will seem like.”
By the numbers:
Pinellas was named a federal “space of concern” in 2021 for HIV an infection charges, and Florida led the nation in new HIV instances final yr — practically 5,000.
“I am not an alarmist, proper? However, that is an epidemic,” mentioned Jalazo. “This isn’t a small downside. It is a large downside nationally. Florida leads the nation on this large downside. Regrettably, sadly, Pinellas County… You already know, the Tampa Bay space, we form of lead the state in a number of these points.”
Massive image view:
Nonetheless, state leaders are proposing deep cuts.Â
“I do assume that we now have to rein in spending and I feel most individuals will acknowledge that. We do as nicely. However we additionally need to stability that with public well being and one of the best curiosity of our communities,” mentioned Jalazo.
Native perspective:
Native assist might assist fill the hole. St. Petersburg lately earmarked $1 million in grant funds for non-profits addressing the opioid and well being crises.
What’s subsequent:
The state price range continues to be being finalized, with selections anticipated by the tip of June. The Florida Division of Well being has not commented on how HIV packages may be impacted by price range cuts statewide.
The Supply: The knowledge on this story was gathered by FOX 13’s Evyn Moon.Â
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