Marlene Moranino
Director of Clinical Programs

The Ryan White HIV/AIDS program, the largest federal program designed for people with HIV, provides essential and comprehensive outpatient care and support services to individuals and families affected by the disease. Ryan White functions as the “payer of last resort,” filling the gaps for those who have no other source of coverage or who have coverage limits. This program plays a critical role, as the number of people living with HIV has grown over time and people with HIV are living longer with HIV as a chronic disease.

In Connecticut, over 10,500 people are living with HIV. Although new cases had been on the decline, recent state data showed a 4% increase in people diagnosed with HIV from 2016-2017. These data further reinforce the need for continued funding and a focus on education and prevention efforts.

Since 1990, CHCACT has received Ryan White funding to support family-centered and community-based services to Women, Children, Youth living with HIV and their families, including outreach, prevention, primary and specialty medical care and psychosocial services. CHCACT currently supports nine CT health centers in their provision of comprehensive services to Women, Children and Youth impacted by HIV, along with their families.

CHCACT and health centers also work together to promote patient/family engagement and input, as well as coordination of statewide HIV prevention and care systems. All providers are actively involved in state and national initiatives such as “Getting to Zero CT,” a campaign to get zero new infections, zero AIDS related deaths, and zero HIV/AIDS related stigma and discrimination. In addition, CHCACT supports the campaign of “U=U” – representing “Undetectable = Untransmittable”: effective treatment can reduce the level of HIV to undetectable, which protects their health and eliminates the transmission of HIV to their sexual partners.

As we continue to learn more about treating HIV, CHCACT and CT’s health centers continue to educate and support community members, patients and their families. Get in touch to learn more!