Health Brigade details patients most at risk after federal funding cuts

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A Richmond clinic says people living with chronic illnesses and diseases are most at risk after losing nearly $1 million in funding.

The Health Brigade clinic, which is located at 1010 N. Thompson St., sent the following statement about patients who are being affected by losing more than $850,000 in federal and state-funded programs:

“Health Brigade has sustained significant cuts both in direct funding from the Federal Government and in State-funded programs that get a large portion of their funds through the Feds. The most recent cuts have come from the Virginia Department of Health. These cuts impact persons living with HIV, many who are chronically ill, as well as testing and treatment for other communicable diseases such as Hepatitis C and Tuberculosis. There have been so many cuts to area organizations serving this community that we are not certain which safety net providers are still able to assist patients. Call the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Epidemiology for comment as to where people living with HIV can get help.”

In a social post, the clinic said the money was nearly a third of the clinic’s budget and is what they are calling “one of the most serious threats in our history.”

Breanne Armbrust, executive director of the Neighborhood Resource Center (NRC), said the non-profit relies on partners who receive federal dollars for its well-being services, such as education, nutrition and financial coaching for the Greater Fulton community.

The non-profit lost a provider partner due to similar federal cuts back in February, and NRC also refers clients to the Health Brigade for services.

Armburst said federal cuts make it harder for clinics and non-profits to fill the gaps left by government services.

“You have to level the playing field, and you don't do that by taking away resources,” Armbrust said. “You do that by ensuring that those resources are readily available and that community members can access them without significant barriers.”

Armbrust said more patients would have to travel far to get the care they need.

The clinic said a press conference and town hall meeting for patients will take place on Thursday, May 29, at 4:30 p.m. to further explain what’s happened and how it has affected the community.