Ohio slashes HIV drug program

COLUMBUS (AP) — The state is no longer helping more than 300 Ohioans with HIV pay for their drugs, and there’s a new waiting list for the assistance.

An official with the HIV drug program says cuts made Thursday were necessary because of an Ohio Department of Health projection of a $16.4 million deficit.

A tighter limit has been placed on income eligibility for the program, and the wait list means no one who is HIV-positive can start receiving assistance unless someone else stops getting the money.

Officials say the program has been under pressure from the economy. More people with the virus that causes AIDS have been needing help because of insurance or job losses.

The Ohio AIDS Coalition hopes the federal government will step in with funding.