The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program was first established in 1990 through a legislative act in congress. This legislation is known as the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act. The Ryan White Program is the largest federal program focused on HIV, funding care and treatment services for low-income people living with HIV. Led by the US Department of Health and Human Services, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) awards funding to cities, states, counties, and community-based groups to:

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• Provide HIV medical care, treatment, and support services for people living with HIV

• Improve health outcomes and reduce the transmission of HIV

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The Hawaiʻi Health & Harm Reduction Center (HHHRC) administers the statewide Ryan White Part B contract in cooperation with the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health, Harm Reduction Services Branch (HRSB). HRSB is the recipient of the Ryan White Part B grant contract, and there are 6 subrecipients that receive this federal funding: HHHRC, Gregory House Programs, Clint Spencer Clinic, Kumukahi Health + Wellness, Maui AIDS Foundation, and Mālama Pono Health Services. 

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This funding supports core medical and support services for our local communities, some of which are the most vulnerable and disenfranchised in the country. HIV experiences are disparate, but this funding helps to provide services equitably.