Janssen funds programs to improve care for drug users with HIV, HCV

Janssen Therapeutics is providing funding to eight U.S.-based organizations for their programs that seek to improve care and treatment for people who inject drugs with hepatitis C virus infection or HIV, according to a news release.

Each organization will each receive a 1-year charitable contribution of up to $40,000, which will assist in improving patient access to health care and treatment for people who inject drugs positive for HIV or HCV. Awards were based on proposals submitted by each organization, detailing their goals and potential to improve treatment and linkage to care for this patient population.

The recipients include: Atlanta Harm Reduction Coalition in Atlanta, GA; Boom! Health in New York City; Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation in Corpus Christi, Tex.; Mendocino County AIDS/Viral Hepatitis Network in Ukiah, Calif.; The Open Door, Inc. in Pittsburgh, Penn.; St. John’s Well Child and Family Center, Inc. in Los Angeles; Vermont Committee for AIDS Resources Education & Services in Burlington; and Washington Heights CORNER project in New York City, according to the release.

“We’re committed to helping improve access to care and treatment by addressing significant unmet needs in at-risk populations facing multiple, persistent barriers,” Nefertiti Greene, president of Janssen Therapeutics, said in the release. “As a leader in infectious diseases, we’re honored to support these organizations in their efforts to enhance linkages to treatment and care for this often underserved part of the HIV and hepatitis C communities.”