D.C. has the highest number of HIV/AIDS cases in the United States. A recent investigation has revealed that from 2004 2008 over $25 million was give to nonprofit organizations who were marked by questionable spending, a lack of clients, or lapses in record keeping or care.
From 2004 to 2008 one dollar for every three of the grants given to HIV/AIDS organiztions was given to a group with a deficeincy. Such groups included organizations that were headed by former drug addicts and theifs, and who have no actual records of starting an organization. Others included groups that submitted employee resumes and consutig contracts with false information, like fake adresses and credentials. Four of the most troubled groups were funded during the tenure of former HIV/AIDS Administration housing chief, Debra Rowe. The executive of one of the groups who had been awarded $4.5 million, hired Rowe's son, and also provided work for Rowe's uncle and father. '"Everbody knew if you need anything down at the AIDS agency, call Debra" said Ron Stewart, a local AIDS case manager. "There was all this money cming into the city, and she was on the ground floor."' Rowe was removed from her position, however the city has still done little to hold the problem groups accountable, or find where the money went. Shannon L. Hader, the new HIV/AIDS Administration director has worked to improve oversight of tracking of how awarded money is spent.
The waste and abuse of the awarded money hurts those who need care, because it takes money away from legitimate agencies who could treat the sick. It is a shame that so much money has been wasted when it could have been used to treat many people, and prevent several deaths in D.C. The fact that the groups who abuse thier grants were not held accountable, and that the lost money is not being lookoed for is very disappointing. Trouble groups who got away with stealing the money may contiue to commit fraud and thus take away from agencies who could be providing care for those suffering from HIV/AIDS.
In the last year. new HIV/AIDS Administratio director Shannon L. Hader has improved the tracking of awarded grants, and will hopefully continue to crate a more stable and reliable chain of non-profit organization in D.C. who provide care for HIV/AIDS victims.
Cenziper, Debbie. "Staggering need, Striking neglect." Washintonpost.com. 18 October 2009
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