LIAAC Faces Tough Decisions After Funding Cuts

A Hauppauge nonprofit is facing tough decisions after Suffolk County Legislature cut its funding by $40,000. 

Long Island Association for AIDS Cares representatives pleaded with legislators on Tuesday to restore a 20 percent funding cut after it made in making changes to County Executive Steve Levy's recommended 2011 operating budget. Karen Ross, vice president of agency programs, said the funds will end services at a time they are needed most.

"If we don't  find a way to make up the the difference, we are going to lose one of two services: the hotline support for Suffolk County or bilingual case management," Ross said.

LIAAC is an organization aimed at providing comprehensive services to all Long Islanders affected by HIV or AIDS. It offers the only 24/7 hotline for clients and concerned residents, case management, provide help in apply for health care programs and educational information about the disease.

"LIAAC's hotline is a safety net, which becomes especial important during these uncertain times. We have received an influx of calls from Suffolk County asking for medical insurance, housing and even food," said Jessica Totino, LIAAC's assistant director of program services. "Many of these callers would have to go without, they would simply have to go without."

The agency's Suffolk County hotline received more than 8,000 phone calls in 2009.

"There's been an increase of people seeking access to Medicaid and medical care whether due to lay offs or the fact their company is no longer providing health care benefits," Ross said.

Despite LIACC's statements, Suffolk County legislators voted to override Levy's vetoes of the omnibus bills that slashed the agency's budget. Ross said she believes the organization will receive the expected funding from Nassau County despite its much publicized budgetary woes.

Ross said the hotline, there will be no direct phone line for clients and community members to access LIAAC's services. It also places in jeopardy the jobs of three full-time caseworkers, whose salaries were funded by Suffolk County, to answer and handle the hotline.

The agency has scheduled  upcoming meetings with several Suffolk County legislators in attempts to find additional funding sources, including Legis. John Kennedy, R-Nesconset.