Federal funding cuts hit HIV, AIDS programs in southern Arizona

TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Federal funding cuts have impacted many medical programs around the country.

And now, key cuts to HIV and AIDS programs over the past month have left some resources in southern Arizona having to adjust their much-needed care.

El Rio Health’s Special Immunology Associates’ Clinic serves nearly 1,700 people, making it the largest HIV care provider in southern Arizona.

The clinic provides essential wrap-around care for many aspects of the lives of those who live with HIV.

“They are able to meet with a nutritionist, a caseworker, who is like a social worker. They’re able to meet their medical assistant, their pharmacist, if they have behavioral health needs, they see a psychiatrist or a therapist, etc.,” said El Rio’s SIA Clinic Medical Director, Dr. Sudha Nagalingam.

However, this past month, a portion of their Ryan White Program funds were cut by 40%, funding which they relied on for many of their services.

It meant their care, which they strive to have all their resources under one roof, will now have to pull on resources elsewhere. It’s a switch that doctors said makes things a little more complicated for patients who rely on this care.

“Many of our patients are the most underserved, struggling with some of the most basic needs, like stable housing, transportation to clinic, food subsidies,” Nagalingam said.

While El Rio’s larger health system has helped the clinic manage these cuts, some other organizations aren’t so lucky.

“I can imagine a smaller organization would feel the brunt of those cuts even heavier if they’re not able to outsource within the same system,” Nagalingam said.

The Southern Arizona Aids Foundation had $1.5 million in Ryan White funding cut this past month. And last week, federal funding cuts to HIV prevention trimmed more than $600,000 in funding from the Arizona Department of Health Services.

Officials with SAAF told 13 News the cuts will force a reduction in testing hours, food assistance, dental benefits, and possibly loss of housing and rental assistance for nearly 100 people.

SAAF provided this statement to 13 News:

“We recognize how deeply unsettling these developments are—not only for our dedicated team but, most importantly, for the communities we serve,” said Beth Morrison, interim chief executive officer of SAAF. “While these funding cuts are a serious setback, our commitment to providing life-affirming care and advocacy for those living with HIV, LGBTQ+ individuals, and communities marginalized by society remains unwavering. We are working closely with our national partners in D.C., as well as trusted partners such as Lambda Legal and the Human Rights Campaign and will continue to fight for the resources our clients and community need and deserve.”

However, these cuts are something doctors say impact all who help the HIV and aids communities.

“If we’re unable to keep patients in care and keep their viral load suppressed, it becomes a public health issue, and it can lead to a transmission of the virus,” Nagalingam said.

Nagalingam said both organizations and others in the space are working together to try to preserve the services.

“I know when one of our hurts, we all sort of hurt together. So, I think more now than ever, with these cuts, is really vital that we work hand in hand to ensure that we make every dollar stretch,” Nagalingam said.

Both El Rio and SAAF said they have had to cut staff, with SAAF eliminating 14 positions within the agency, and those that remain have had to take on increased workloads.

Be sure to subscribe to the 13 News YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@13newskold

Copyright 2025 13 News. All rights reserved.