1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am writing to request your immediate action in response to an emerging public health crisis that threatens to undermine decades of progress in the fight against HIV and STD’s in California. Due to federal funding delays and the likely cancellation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) HIV prevention award cycle, jurisdictions including Los Angeles County and San Francisco have not received the renewal notifications necessary to maintain HIV and STD prevention programs. As a result, Los Angeles County has terminated all HIV and STD prevention contracts as of May 31st, 2025, due to the uncertainty of federal funds. This disruption will disproportionately affect medically underserved and high-risk communities, including young Black and Latino gay and bisexual men, transgender women of color, cisgender women of color, and people who use injection drugs. The absence of prevention infrastructure could lead to an estimated 9,000 new HIV infections over the next five years in Los Angeles County alone, with each new diagnosis costing the state approximately $500,000 in lifetime medical care. To avert a collapse of California’s HIV prevention safety net and protect public health statewide, we respectfully request the following immediate action: Authorize an emergency disbursement of $5 million from the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) Rebate (Special) Fund to sustain HIV prevention services across California through June 30, 2025, including in directly funded jurisdictions such as Los Angeles and San Francisco. California has lead the nation in reducing transmission rates of HIV and reducing rates of STDs. The evidence-based and person-centric approach embraced by California is producing real results. We urge your leadership to preserve these essential services, maintain our progress, and prevent a resurgence of the HIV epidemic in California. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to public health and equity.