For eight years, a surplus fund gave a boost to HIV services in Baltimore and beyond. But at the end of last fiscal year, that well ran dry.

HIV-related programs in Maryland are facing significant funding cuts after a surplus fund operated by the Maryland Department of Health ran out of money last fiscal year. The Baltimore City Health Department’s letter announced a 76% reduction in state funding for HIV programs, dropping expected funds from $22 million to $5.3 million. Kim Holmes, a volunteer with Project PLASE, said, “It’s sad. It’s really sad. You got something that’s working. Why, if it’s working, why try to break it?”

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