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 Eligible Metropolitan Area (DEMA), 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 Mayor of Denver, also known in the CARE Act legislation as the Chief Elected Official, created the Mayor's Office of HIV Resources (MOHR) in 1994. MOHR is responsible for procuring, disbursing, and monitoring Ryan White CARE Act Title I funds and its share of Title II funds passed through the State of Colorado. MOHR is the administrative agent delegated by the Chief Elected Official in the DEMA to manage daily operations, provide technical assistance to subcontractors, and ensure compliance with all federal regulations in the Ryan White CARE Act. MOHR's Fiscal Year 2004 (March 1, 2004 - February 28, 2005) budget of $4.5 million provides funding in 14 service categories to provide a comprehensive continuum of care for people living with HIV/AIDS; (For additional information see details listed under the Current Grants tab.)

The Denver HIV Resources Planning Council was established by the Mayor of Denver as required under the legislative mandates for Title I 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 website.)