Use of HIV Set-Aside Funding from the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment (SAPT) Block Grant in California

This study explored how a sample of California counties previously used the HIV Set-Aside of the SAPT Block Grant, which contributed over $12 million statewide to HIV early intervention services and hepatitis C screening and linkage to care in FY2015. The HIV Set-Aside was discontinued in FY2016 when California’s AIDS cases dropped below the eligibility threshold, and the state was no longer permitted to use SAPT funds towards HIV Set-Aside activities. We recommend revising the eligibility criteria for HIV Set-Aside funding, and suggest other funding mechanisms that could help to support services previously covered by the HIV Set-Aside.