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Have you heard of the Central Florida HIV Planning Council? Here’s what the council does and what you need to know about it.
The Central Florida HIV Planning Council (CFHPC) was formed to advise on the allocation of federal funds from the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program and for HIV prevention planning in the Central Florida area. This council allows the voices of local healthcare providers, people living with HIV, those close to people living with HIV, and other concerned citizens to be heard when distributing Ryan White funds.
What is the Ryan White Program?
The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program is a federally-funded and operated program that provides funding for HIV-related health services. It’s overseen by the HRSA, or Health Resources & Services Administration.
This program was named in honor of Ryan White, who was diagnosed with AIDS in 1984 after recieving a blood transfusion. Ryan was just 13 years old, and experienced AIDS-related discrimination from his community. His story gained national attention, and sparked widespread public education on the truth about AIDS. After his death, congress enacted the Ryan White Program to improve the quality and availability of HIV care and treatment.
Who is Eligible to Receive Ryan White Resources?
The program is for anyone living with HIV or AIDS who does not have sufficient healthcare coverage or financial resources to cover their related healthcare costs. In the state of Florida, the health department is the beneficiary of the federal funds that are dispersed from the Ryan White Program, and the health department then disperses the funds among local HIV healthcare providers. These funds cover anything from:
- Medical care
- HIV medications
- Nutritional education
- Substance abuse treatment
- And more
Many recipients have limited income, don’t have insurance, and don’t qualify for health coverage through the Affordable Care Act. It may be that the recipients have moved between states and don’t currently qualify for coverage, or that they do work and are insured, but are unable to pay the insurance premiums or other costs associated with HIV healthcare.
Where Does the Central Florida HIV Planning Council Come in?
The CFHPC helps to approve and oversee the funds from the Ryan White Program as they are awarded. The Council assesses the needs of people living with HIV in the Central Florida area and establishes plans for the delivery of HIV care and support services. It helps to disperse the funds and ensure that resources are being allocated where they are needed most. 
How We’re Involved
Harmony Healthcare Orlando is your home for HIV healthcare services, and our Executive Director, Priscilla Torres, is the Vice Chair of the PR and Marketing Committee on the CFHPC. We believe in accessible care and want to impact as many lives as possible and improve the health of our community. This is one of the many ways that we’re doing that!
You Can Join Us Too
If you want to get involved, you are able to apply to join the CFHPC. Members of the Planning Council must be reflective of the local community and at least 33% of the members must be recipients of Ryan White Part A services. Anyone who wants to make a difference in the lives of Persons Living With HIV (PLWH) is encouraged to apply and participate. Ryan White Community Meetings are open to the public.
You can read more about the application process here, or if you’re looking for other ways to get involved just give us a call! We would love to partner with you and work towards our goal to end the HIV epidemic together.
