CEO Update: Regarding the Pending Termination of State Funds for HIV Prevention, Testing, and Treatment Across Tennessee

“On Wednesday, January 18, the State of Tennessee Department of Health said they will be terminating funding for HIV prevention, testing, and treatment programs, including Syringe Service Programs, to any agency, except for public health departments, by May 31, 2023.

While this announcement does not impact funding lines for clinical services, support services, and case management, its target on HIV programs will directly impact Cempa Community Care and many of the clients we serve. Currently, Cempa has 14 staff dedicated to programs combating HIV, and in 2022 alone we served over 4,000 clients through those programs. Across the state, there are 17 community health organizations providing similar care, and this cut, should it take place, will leave some of our most vulnerable populations at increased risk.

Upon learning of this funding maneuver, the Cempa leadership team began working feverishly to find out why this funding cut is happening and how we can reverse the plan before May 31. These programs are critical to our community, and we want our staff and clients to feel safe and secure in Cempa’s ability to continue offering these valuable services.”

 — Shannon Stephenson, Chief Executive Officer at Cempa Community Care

For additional Cempa Community Care information, please visit: www.cempa.org

For any media-related questions or needs, contact:​ Cory Howard (Chief Operating Officer) at choward@cempa.org, or Miles Huff (Director of Community Engagement) at milesh@cempa.org