Funding slashed at CHAG

DETROIT – The Community Health Awareness Group recently announced an $800,000 loss of funding which will necessitate substantial staff reductions and cuts in services to people with HIV/AIDS.
CHAG had an operating budget of almost $2.3 million in 2009, so the current loss in funding represents about one third of the group's total annual budget.
CHAG's management announced that ten employees will be laid off including those who currently provide mental health services. CHAG's director of mental health services, Dr. Lisa Knysz, said she expects an "increase in feeling of hopelessness and helplessness" among HIV infected individuals already struggling with stigma and rejection, which may further compromise their ability to remain healthy.
CHAG's needle exchange program, the only such program in the Detroit area, is also on the chopping block due to current cuts. The program has a demonstrated effectiveness in reducing HIV infection and in reducing some forms of drug abuse.
This is the second large reduction in funding recently announced at a local HIV/AIDS agency. AIDS Partnership Michigan in Detroit was forced to close its highly regarded REC Boyz youth program last month due to a large cut in funding.