Private MD News

Federal grants help groups offer more HIV testing

Category: HIV

Officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that HIV testing is among the most effective measures available to help slow the spread of the infection. In an effort to make screening more available, federal agencies recently distributed several grants to local HIV testing groups.

Stand Inc., a nonprofit group based out of DeKalb County, Georgia, was one of the recipients of funding. The Champion Free Press reports that the group was awarded $300,000 by the Department of Health and Human Services to continue a popular program that provided free HIV testing to local residents.

Despite the fact that the group was able to extend testing to more than 4,000 individuals last year, it lost its funding, and was going to have to discontinue the program. However, the grant will allow the group to continue offering free HIV testing.

"Stand can point to many success stories, thanks to the excellent work they are doing in our community," U.S. Congressman Hank Johnson told the news source. "This award is well deserved - Stand’s work is helping people live healthier, happier and more productive lives."