Rick Scott Highlights HIV/AIDS Research Funded in Budget

Gov. Rick Scott held an event on Monday in which he presented the University of Miami a $1 million check to highlight his commitment to include funding to research and combat HIV/AIDS in the Florida budget. Scott was joined by Florida Sen. Rene Garcia, R-Hialeah.

I was proud to join the dedicated staff at the University of Miami to highlight the importance of investing in HIV/AIDS research, Scott said on Monday. Funding research to cure the horrible diseases that infect our loved ones must be one of our top priorities, and we must work together to treat these complex diseases which require much more research and development. Together we were able to eliminate the wait list for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program, and now 4,000 more Floridians have access to critical medications and disease management training. We thank the University of Miami for their work as Floridas only nationally designated Center for AIDS Research.

We have come a long way since the early days of the HIV epidemic. Through technology and perseverance, it is no longer a death sentence but a chronic illness, Garcia said. Unfortunately, Miami-Dade County is the epicenter for new HIV diagnosis. This $1 million grant will go a long way to help the University of Miami continue their research for better treatment, prevention and more importantly a cure. Thank you, Gov. Scott, for your leadership on this worthy and noble cause.