Milwaukee's Vivent Health fears funding cuts threaten services

Vivent Health, a leading provider of HIV prevention and care services in Milwaukee, is facing uncertainty about its funding. The organization, which is the second-largest of its kind in the U.S., is worried that budget cuts may come from the Trump administration. Recent reports suggest that cuts to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) HIV program are being considered. Bill Keeton, the chief advocacy officer at Vivent Health, has worked for 20 years to help expand access to HIV services. He highlighted that the virus affects marginalized groups more severely, including people of color and the LGBTQ community. Keeton emphasized the importance of CDC funding to continue aiding those most at risk. Currently, Vivent Health receives nearly $2 million each year from the CDC. Keeton warned that losing this funding could lead to an increase in new HIV infections, reversing progress made in recent years. In 2022, there were nearly 32,000 new HIV infections in the U.S., a figure that could rise without proper funding for testing and prevention. In response to the potential funding cuts, Vivent Health is organizing a fundraising gala on April 6 to support their efforts. The event is sold out, but donations are still welcome to help those living with HIV.