An agency providing life-saving services for thousands of Central New Yorkers is at risk of losing $4 million in federal funds. ACR Health is known for helping people with HIV-AIDS and other critical medical conditions. CEO Lisa Alford said those federal cuts put testing, housing, and treatments for their clients all on the line.
“It includes things that really help people maintain stability in their lives, people that also are seeking to find out if they do have some of their complex health condition or issue that needs to be addressed," Alford said. "We're also concerned because the potential changes scares people from even coming to get tested.”
That could lead to other complications. Alford says ACR will operate as usual and encourages clients not to skip visits. She says they fill a gap in the health care system by providing services in a non-stigmatizing way for those who might be judged in a traditional setting.
“It’s no different than you or I. We want to go to places that we feel comfortable, where we feel seen and heard," Alford said. "We know people come to ACR Health because of those types of things. They sometimes will not go to an emergency room. They may want to come here. We actually have a small clinic where they can provide some minor wound care and things like that.”
Other ACR Health services in jeopardy include drug overdose prevention screenings, help with securing and navigating health coverage, providing housing for LGBTQ clients. Alford worries their clients, and the employees who make them feel safe, are all at risk if the funding cuts become reality.
