Washington, D.C. – The Partnership to End HIV, STDs, and Hepatitis applauds the House of Representatives for passing FY2020 appropriations bill HR 2740, which includes essential funding for protecting the nation’s public health infrastructure, implementing the Administration’s plans to end the HIV epidemic, combating high and rising STD rates, and addressing hepatitis and other infectious disease complications of the opioid crisis.

The bill increases funding to HIV, STD, and hepatitis prevention and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Ryan White Care Program. In addition, we are pleased by the passage of two amendments that increase funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s opioid and infectious disease program and the Minority HIV/AIDS Fund.

While we commend the House for supporting crucial HIV, STD, and hepatitis funding, building upon the gains made in tackling these intersecting public health challenges requires greater investments and ongoing support. The Partnership to End HIV, STDs, and Hepatitis calls upon members of the Senate Appropriations Committee to include funding for these programs in its appropriations bill, and to work to address these public health crises impacting communities across the country.