Thursday, March 13, 2025
3/13/2025
Project Title: FFY24 HRSA RWHAP Part B Supplemental Applicant Name: Commonwealth of Massachusetts Address: Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 250 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02108 Project Director: Linda Goldman, Director, Office of HIV/AIDS Contact Phone Numbers: 617-624-5303 E-mail Address: Linda.Goldman@mass.gov Website Address: www.mass.gov/hiv As of July 1, 2023, the United States Census Bureau estimates that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is home to 7,001,399 individuals. Among those reporting only one race, over three-quarters (79.4%) of Massachusetts residents are white, 9.5% of residents are Black or African American, 0.5% are American Indian or Alaska Native; 7.7% are Asian, and 2.7% are two or more races. Persons of Hispanic/Latino origin comprise 13.1% of the total population. Between 2018-2022, a little over seventeen percent (17.6%) of the population was foreign born, and during the same period 24.5% of persons over five years old spoke a language other than English at home. According to census data as of July 1, 2023, 10.4% of the population lives under the poverty level. The number of persons living with HIV infection (PLWH) in Massachusetts increased by 13% from 20,737 in 2012 to 23,393 in 2021. Although there have been reductions in new cases and increased survival of individuals living with HIV infection, vulnerable populations remain disproportionately impacted by HIV. Men who have sex with men continue to represent the largest proportion of new diagnoses (39% overall and 54% among individuals assigned male at birth [AMAB] in 2019–2021, as of 1/1/2023). Black (non-Hispanic) and Hispanic/Latino individuals were diagnosed with HIV infection during 2018-2021 at population rates eight and four times that of white (non-Hispanic) individuals. Persons who inject drugs accounted for 32% of all deaths among HIV+ individuals, while representing 16% of all people living with HIV infection (PLWH). The HIV epidemic va ries geographically, largely due to social and economic factors in addition to patterns of risk behavior. The location of funded services is broadly based on regional analysis of disease burden and considers availability of other federal funding sources (particularly Ryan White and CDC). RWHAP Part B supplemental funding is necessary to assure that the Massachusetts system of HIV care, which is comprised of a broad range of medical and health-related services, can continue. Without the requested funds, and due to increases in newly arrived immigrants to the state who were previously diagnosed or newly diagnosed with HIV, in addition to increases in ADAP drug and premium expenditures, it may be difficult to maintain the high viral suppression rates in the state among people with HIV and to continue to see positive client-level health outcomes across the HIV care continuum.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).