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Bergen County HIV Counsel Center closure to save money
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Penny smart and dollar dumb best describes Bergen County’s budgetary decision to consider closing the county’s Counseling Center in Hackensack. The counseling center provides free HIV screening for the community. This mission has been ongoing for 20 years supported by $100,000 contribution from the county and matched by $100,000 from the state. It is a key factor qualifying the county for the Ryan White $4 million federal grant funds each year.
County leaders have budget concerns about maintaining this program through this year. The $100,000 spent on the counseling center has become a focus for fiscal cutbacks in order to bring the county budget into balance. This is based on the position that the program of HIV screening can be better provided by another program, the North Hudson Community Action Program that is already functioning. While the conditions to qualify for the Ryan White federal grant are felt to be covered by other county outreach and education programs also already in place.
There seems to be more than meets the eye in this discussion. The Bergen County annual budget covers over $462 million dollars worth of programs. A savings of $100,000 is hardly worth the time and effort to close down what is in fact a highly efficient, very valuable and popular program.
The recommended budget cut item is currently under review by the county executive Dennis McNerney.
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