The Ryan White Program is a federally funded program that provides primary and supportive care to those infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS. The goal of this program is to work with community-based organizations, cities, and states to provide services to people living with HIV who don’t have sufficient health coverage or financial resources to manage the disease. Other goals are to expand and increase the quality of those services, to ensure that newly diagnosed individuals are rapidly linked to care, and to solicit community input on an ongoing basis to ensure that the best quality prevention and patient care planning process.
The Central Florida HIV Planning Council (CFHPC) is a community body that advises on the allocation of federal funds for the Ryan White Part A & B programs and provides HIV prevention planning. Through CFHPC, the voices of local healthcare providers, people with HIV (PWH), those at risk for HIV, and other concerned citizens in the area can be heard in deciding how to distribute Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) Part A & B funds. It’s the community’s largest planning body responsible for planning HIV prevention and care services for the 3 million-plus residents in the Orlando Service Area (OSA). The OSA consists of Brevard, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, and Orange counties.
- Our Mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals with HIV by responding to their existing and emerging needs and to provide educational and behavioral strategies to reduce and prevent the spread of HIV.
- Our Vision is to ensure a quality continuum of care for all individuals and families infected with, affected by, and at risk for HIV.
- Our Core Values are Empowerment, Commitment, Quality, and Integrity.
As of 2021, a total of 15,693 people were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in our service area. Those living with HIV in this area are predominantly males with a transmission exposure of Men who have sex with Men (MSM). The Black population is disproportionately represented as they account for 39% of PWH but only comprise 15% of the general population. The White and Hispanic populations are underrepresented as they account for 50% and 28% of the general population, respectively, but 30% and 29% of the PWH population. Among the PWH population, 51% are above the age of 49 years, with 27% between 25-39 years (2020-2021 OSA Epidemiological Profile). Orlando is the 22nd largest metropolitan area in the U.S., yet ranked 4th in the nation for rates of new HIV diagnoses (HIV Surveillance Report 2021; 34).
History
The Central Florida HIV Planning Council used to be two separate planning bodies known as the Central Florida AIDS Planning Consortium (CFAP) and the Orlando EMA HIV Health Services Planning Council. In October of 2017, these planning bodies merged to ensure the HIV care and prevention planning process is more of a collaborative effort throughout the OSA. The 2022-2026 Integrated HIV Prevention & Care Plan is utilized by the integrated planning body to address and end the HIV epidemic among us.
“The Ryan White Program has played a critical role and serves as an important source to those that are eligible. It’s a comprehensive system of HIV primary medical care and essential support services for low-income people living with HIV who are uninsured and underserved.” - Gabriella Rodriguez
“I find that many of us who are involved in this field of public health are very passionate about the work that we do, The Central Florida HIV Planning Council is a platform where anyone has the opportunity to have their voice heard and make a difference.” - Chris Haubenestel
“I really appreciate the work that the Central Florida HIV Planning Council has done for the entire Orlando community. Even though I am alarmed at the increase in HIV transmissions, it would be even worse without the work of the Planning Council. I lost half of my friends in the early phase of this deadly epidemic. Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program is vitally important to make sure that people with HIV get necessary medical, counseling, and housing services. People now have long term survival due to advances in HIV medications. I fear this has created a false sense of security and has also led to increased infections. Know your status, research PREP and other means of not contracting HIV. Your health is important!” - Commissioner Patty Sheehan
“I believe that our EMA is facilitating services to the best of their ability given availability of resources. I believe more can be done as well. Ryan White services are a plus for this community. It allows persons to receive medical services that otherwise wouldn’t be available.” - Violet Scott
“HIV care and prevention have come a long way, with clients in the Ryan White system of care seeing better health outcomes and living longer than before. However, there are still underserved parts of our communities experiencing major disparities in care. This is why the Central Florida HIV Planning Council is so crucial to ensuring that people living with HIV (PLWH) are included in the decision-making process. I’m proud to help coordinate services and plan for those who need our continued support.” - Yasmin Andre