The Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act enacted in 1990 intended to help communities increase the availability of primary health care and support services, increase access to care for underserved populations, and to improve the quality of life of those affected by HIV/AIDS. The Health Resources & Services Administration, under the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, is the federal agency responsible for implementing the Ryan White CARE Act.
The Denver Transitional Grant Area (TGA), which covers 3,760 square miles and consists of five counties - Adams, Arapahoe, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson - became eligible for federal funding in March of 1994 when it reported 2,000 cumulative AIDS cases. The former Mayor of Denver (Wellington Webb), also known in the CARE Act legislation as the Chief Elected Official, created the Denver's Office of HIV Resources (DOHR) in 1994. DOHR is responsible for procuring, disbursing, and monitoring Ryan White CARE Part A funds. DOHR is the administrative agent delegated by the Chief Elected Official in the TGA to manage daily operations, provide technical assistance to subcontractors, and ensure compliance with all federal regulations in the Ryan White CARE Act. DOHR provides funding in various service categories to provide a comprehensive continuum of care for people living with HIV/AIDS.
The Denver HIV Resources Planning Council was established by the Mayor of Denver as required under the legislative mandates for Part A of the Ryan White CARE Act. The Planning Council conducts an annual needs assessment of services, gathers information from consumers and service providers, and establishes priorities for the allocation of funds. The Planning Council also verifies the efficiency of the reimbursement process for funded agencies.
(For more information about the Planning Council and/or membership requirements go to the Denver HIV Resources Planning Council web site.)