UNC Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Awarded Ryan White C Funding Renewal

The UNC Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases has received a three-year renewal of award funding for the Ryan White Part C Program, from the U.S. Department of Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Natalie Hairston, MPH, MSW, UNC’s Ryan White Program Coordinator since 2023, provided critical support to the renewal process.

“This continuous renewal reflects the strength of a deeply collaborative, multidisciplinary effort, said Hairston. “Our program thrives thanks to the close coordination between clinical teams, Ryan White staff, and an outstanding data team that ensures accurate information is captured that can drive quality improvement.”

The UNC Ryan White Network includes the UNC Infectious Diseases Clinic at Eastowne, the Regional Center for Infectious Diseases in Greensboro and Piedmont Health Services in Burlington–a total of 4,500 patients network-wide. These clinics provide a range of early intervention services such as HIV testing, case management, and risk reduction counseling, as well as comprehensive primary health care for people with HIV.

History at UNC

Since 2000, Ryan White Programs have been a cornerstone of HIV care in North Carolina, first led by the late Charlie van der Horst, MD, and later, Evelyn Byrd Quinlivan, MD.  Claire Farel, MD, MPH, who has continued the legacy since 2015, says the two laid the foundation for the program’s success.

“The award is a testament to the commitment of providers across the UNC Ryan White Network and to the legacy of strong leadership that built and sustains this program,” said Farel, principal investigator of Ryan White B and C, and the medical director of UNC’s Infectious Diseases Clinic at Eastowne.

“Early program leaders had tremendous foresight, supported by dedicated faculty and staff who worked tirelessly to improve the health of people living with HIV.”

Since 2001, Amy Durr, FNP, has served as program manager.

“Amy’s work has contributed immeasurably to program development and patient outreach, ensuring the program meets the evolving needs of patients.”

UNC’s Eastowne Clinic provides mental health, substance abuse, gynecological, case management, pharmacy, and nutrition services. It also assists clients with transportation and food insecurity. Critically, patient engagement and medication programs support continuous access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), promoting viral load suppression (VLS), which allows people with HIV to maintain good health and prevents transmission of HIV.

By the Numbers

Increasing Access to HIV Care

• In 2024, UNC’s Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program at UNC’s Eastowne Clinic provided life-saving care, medication, and essential support services to 2,196 individuals, with 2,004 receiving outpatient/ambulatory health services.

Remaining Strong–89.7% Viral Suppression

• The program’s success is reflected in its VLS, which for the UNC Clinic stands at an impressive 93.7% as of December 31, 2024.
• The overall viral load suppression rate for the three clinics in the UNC Ryan White Network remains strong at 89.7%, demonstrating exceptional progress in HIV treatment effectiveness and care quality.

Aging with HIV–Living Longer, Healthier Lives

The aging population at UNC also reflects the program’s success in helping people with HIV live longer, healthier lives.

• According to 2024 data, 1,036 clients at UNC are aged 45-64, and 378 are aged 65 and older. This demographic shift underscores the importance of continued support and tailored care for older adults living with HIV.

About the Program

The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program is the largest federal program designed specifically for people with HIV, serving over half of all those diagnosed. The program is funded by a discretionary grant dependent on annual appropriations from Congress. As the nation’s safety net program for people with HIV, Ryan White provides outpatient HIV care, treatment, and support services to those without health insurance, filling gaps in coverage and cost for those with insurance limitations. It is composed of “Parts,” each with a different purpose and funded as a separate line item through annual appropriations. At UNC, Christopher Hurt, MD, FIDSA, is the principal investigator for Ryan White Part D, funding that strengthens organizational capacity that can increase access to high quality family-centered HIV primary health care services for low income women, infants, children and youth (WICY) with HIV. Hurt leads the North Carolina HIV Education and Training Center (NCHETC) supporting people engaged in HIV prevention and treatment across North Carolina, through training and technical assistance, helping social workers, case managers, providers (physicians & APPs), nurses, dentists and pre-professional students learn how to provide high-quality care for persons living with or at risk for HIV.

Remembering Ryan White

Ryan White was 13 when he was diagnosed with AIDS after a blood transfusion in December 1984. Living in Kokomo, Indiana, doctors gave him six months to live.  When Ryan tried to return to school, he faced AIDS-related discrimination in his Indiana community. Along with his mother Jeanne White Ginder, he rallied for his right to attend school. He gained national attention and became the face of public education about the disease. Surprising his doctors, Ryan lived five years longer than expected. He died in April 1990, one month before his high school graduation. Congress passed the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act in August 1990. Read more.