Los Angeles Faces Setback in HIV Fight Due to Proposed Federal Budget Cuts
For more than 30 years, Los Angeles has been a leader in the battle against HIV. Local clinics, community groups, and public health agencies have worked together to help people living with HIV and to prevent new infections. But now, many advocates and doctors say that all this progress could be at risk.
Major Cuts Proposed to HIV Programs
The Trump administration’s 2025 budget proposal includes deep cuts to federal funding for HIV and AIDS programs. This includes:
- $1.2 billion in cuts to the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, which helps low-income people living with HIV get medical care and support
- A 20% cut to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) HIV prevention budget
- The end of many grants for local outreach and education on HIV prevention
These changes worry many people who work in public health. Dr. Maria Sanchez, the medical director at the East LA HIV Clinic, shared her concerns: “We’re looking at the potential unraveling of decades of work. These cuts would mean fewer people getting tested, less access to life-saving medications, and more new infections.”
Progress in LA Could Be Lost
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reports a 40% drop in new HIV diagnoses since 2010. This success is thanks to:
- More people getting tested for HIV
- Wider use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medicine that helps prevent HIV
- Strong community outreach programs, especially for high-risk groups
Groups like AIDS Project Los Angeles and Bienestar have helped reach those most at risk, such as LGBTQ+ youth, people of color, and people experiencing homelessness. They provide testing, education, and support for thousands each year.
Local Groups Fear Service Cuts
Now, with less federal money, these organizations may have to make hard choices. Jorge Ramirez, executive director of Bienestar, explained, “We rely on federal grants to keep our doors open. If those funds disappear, we’ll have to cut staff, reduce testing hours, and turn people away.”
With more than 60,000 people living with HIV in Los Angeles, the need for these services is still urgent. The CDC’s budget cuts could also mean:
- Fewer free condoms available in the community
- Less funding for HIV awareness campaigns
- Fewer rapid testing sites, especially in areas with high infection rates
Risk of HIV Rates Rising Again
Public health officials warn that if the cuts happen, LA could see a rise in HIV cases. Dr. Sanchez said, “We’ve made incredible strides, but HIV is still a crisis in our community. We can’t afford to go backwards.”
She and others worry that smaller budgets will lead to fewer people getting tested and treated. This could allow HIV to spread more easily, especially among groups that already face barriers to healthcare.
Local Leaders Push Back
Local leaders are urging Congress to stop the cuts and protect HIV/AIDS funding. Los Angeles City Councilmember Kevin de León said, “This is a matter of life and death for thousands of Angelenos. We must stand up for our most vulnerable residents and ensure they have access to the care and support they need.”
Many in Los Angeles are now watching Washington closely as lawmakers debate the budget. They hope Congress will listen to their concerns and save the programs that have protected so many lives.
The Fight Continues
For those working on the front lines, the work is not over. Jorge Ramirez said, “We’re not giving up. But we need our leaders to recognize what’s at stake.”
Los Angeles has made great progress in the fight against HIV, but that progress is now in danger. The future of HIV prevention and care in the city depends on the decisions being made about the federal budget.
- Over 60,000 people in LA depend on HIV services
- Programs help prevent new infections and keep people healthy
- Federal funding is key to keeping these programs running
As the debate continues, the people of Los Angeles are waiting to see if their hard work will be protected, or if decades of progress will be lost.