|
D.C. Councilmember David Catania, Chairman of the D.C. Council Health Committee, withdrew emergency legislation authorizing a $2.2 million stabilization grant to the Whitman-Walker Clinic ("WWC") after receiving assurances that a plan to direct significant government support would be submitted to the Council by July 1, 2005. This guarantee removes the need for Catania's bill and alleviates the immediate threat to direct services provided by the Clinic in the District of Columbia.
"There is no doubt that Whitman-Walker plays a critical role in confronting the HIV/AIDS crisis in the District," Catania said. "Without continued government support, hundreds of residents will be left without health services currently provided by the clinic. I'm pleased the Administration acknowledges this fact and will act quickly." Catania expects emergency funds will be identified within the current Department of Health budget. Committee on Health staff reviewed Fiscal Year 2005 account balances to find more than $4 million that must be spent before September 30, but today remains unobligated. Emergency legislation had been drafted to appropriate $2.2 million to the Whitman-Walker Clinic for direct services, but Catania set it aside after Mayor Williams promised to submit a "plan for assisting WWC no later than July 1, 2005." Catania continued, "In recent weeks, substantial donations have been announced that demonstrate the community's level of commitment to the clinic. While those efforts are important and noteworthy, the District must step up to the plate to make sure services are not disrupted by short-term financial difficulties." For more information, please contact the Committee on Health by calling 202-724-8170. |
