Welcome to The Pulse, a weekly roundup of health-focused news. Each Thursday, we bring you updates on health policy, community surveys, new clinical studies, programs and services in Southwest and Southside Virginia.
Got a tip or story idea? Email me at emily@cardinalnews.org.
A recent study led by Johns Hopkins University researchers warns that disrupting or ending funding for a major HIV treatment program could cause a sharp increase in infections in the United States.
Congress created the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program in 1990 after a 13-year-old Indiana boy named Ryan White contracted HIV through a blood transfusion during the height of the AIDS epidemic. When his school attempted to keep him from attending, White and his mother fought for his right to return to school. Their advocacy drew national attention and led Congress to establish the program.
Today, the federal- and state-funded program supports medical care, medications and support services for hundreds of thousands of people living with HIV. The program also funds case management, housing assistance, transportation and other services that help patients remain in treatment.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins surveyed HIV clinic directors from cities with high HIV infection rates that receive Ryan White funding. They asked how many patients might fall out of treatment if funding disruptions occurred.
The researchers then used those responses to build a computer simulation predicting how funding interruptions could affect infection rates nationwide.
The study found that eliminating the program could lead to roughly 75,000 additional HIV infections over the next five years — a 49% increase.
Consistent treatment plays a critical role in controlling HIV. The medications available now suppress the virus, allowing people with HIV to maintain their health and reduce the chance of transmission. But patients must take the medications consistently. Interruptions in treatment allow the virus to rebound and can cause it to mutate, potentially making it resistant to drugs.
Even short disruptions in funding could have measurable effects, the researchers found. An 18-month lapse could increase infections by 19%, while a disruption lasting three and a half years could raise infections by 38% by 2030.
In Virginia, a combination of federal and state funding cuts has forced some clinics to scale back services.
The Council of Community Services, based in Roanoke, now has just three case workers to serve 600 clients.
Pop-up food pantries to visit Southwest Virginia
Feeding Southwest Virginia will host several pop-up food distributions across the region this month, providing free groceries to residents in high-need communities.
The organization’s Mobile Food Pantry operates as a drive-through distribution point where volunteers bring food directly to vehicles. The groceries include shelf-stable items as well as fresh produce and are available at no cost.
Feeding Southwest Virginia also operates a Mobile Marketplace, a traveling grocery store that offers fresh and healthy foods at reduced prices.
Through a partnership with Virginia Fresh Match, the marketplace also provides additional purchasing power for people using SNAP benefits.
Mobile Food Pantry schedule:
- March 12, 10 a.m. to noon: William P. Harris Park in Council.
- March 16, 2 to 4 p.m.: Whitetop public library, 16309 Highlands Parkway.
- March 17, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.: St. Paul School, 231 Flower Gap Road, Cana.
- March 19, 10 a.m. to noon: Whitewood community center, 17433 Dismal River Road.
- March 23, 9 to 11 a.m.: Zion Family Ministries, 1613 Norton Road, Wise.
- March 24, 10 a.m. to noon: Friendship Baptist Church, 28907 Wilderness Road, Jonesville.
The Mobile Market March schedule:
- March 12, 10 a.m. to noon: William P. Harris Park in Council.
- March 17, 10 a.m. to noon: Galax Public Library, 610 W. Stuart Drive.
- March 17, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.: St. Paul School, 231 Flower Gap Road, Cana.
- March 18, 2 to 4 p.m.: Blue Mountain Therapy, 17507 Lee Highway, Abingdon.
- March 23, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Newport Community Center, 434 Blue Grass Trail.