Red Bank's VNA Gets Funding to Fight AIDS

The State announced Tuesday that Red Bank-based Visiting Nurses Association of Central Jersey was one of 54 health organizations throughout the state to receive a share of more than $19.5 million to put towards the treatment and prevention of HIV and AIDS.

The VNA received $343,060 in 2012 grant funding to be used in HIV and AIDS prevention services. In all, roughly $11 million will be used for HIV and AIDS prevention compared to $8.2 for treatment and patient care. 

The announcement was made by Gov. Chris Christie and Health Commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd at the Hyacinth AIDS foundation in New Brunswick, the oldest and largest organization in the state serving residents with HIV/AIDS, according to a release from the state.

“Today’s funding announcement is a significant investment in our community organizations that are on the front lines in the battle against HIV," Christie said in a release. "We are joined by a common vision and belief that we have a moral imperative to help people in need of treatment.”

Grant funding will be distributed on a monthly basis.

From a release:

Commissioner O’Dowd said the grants “ensure that more New Jersey residents will know how to protect themselves, have the opportunity to get tested and get the treatment they need. Working with our partners, we can reduce the transmission of HIV and improve the quality of life of those living with HIV/AIDS.’’

Earlier this year the the State distributed $8.1 million of federal aid to health care organizations throughout the state. through a program designed to help fund the care and treatment of residents living with AIDS and HIV.

According to previous Patch report, the funding was put towards outpatient ambulatory medical care, diagnostic testing, medical case management, nutritional counseling, and mental health services for low-income residents loving with HIV or AIDS.

More than 36,000 people in New Jersey are living with HIV, according to a release. Narly 7,000 state residents with HIV or AIDS receive medication through the State's AIDS drug distribution program.