All About United Way
The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH), HIV/STD/Viral Hepatitis Program has a commitment to increase access and decrease disparity for persons living with HIV and their affected family members.
Quick Facts
The TDH HIV/STD Program standardized services by designating one Lead Agency with the primary responsibility of implementing HIV/AIDS strategies throughout Tennessee.
In 2016, United Way of Greater Nashville (UWGN) became the designated grantee, or Lead Agency, of 92 of 95 counties in Tennessee.
The interchangeable terms “grantee” and “Lead Agency” mean the person or organization assigned to manage the inter-agency oversight of the day-to-day administration of policy for the Ryan White Part B Services, HIV Prevention Services, and Technical Assistance.
United Way of Greater Nashville (United Way) has been involved in HIV/AIDS since 1990 after completing a needs assessment that noted the importance of addressing this growing public health epidemic in Middle Tennessee. United Way was one of four United Ways (Charlotte, Kansas City, and Richmond) that became a community partner (grantee) as a result of a new nationally funded organization, National Community AIDS Partnership (now AIDS United). During that time, United Way received a matching grant and launched the Ryan White Community HIV/AIDS Partnership.
United Way continued this commitment to serve and meet the needs of the community to reduce HIV transmission and improve the lives of people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS in Middle Tennessee in 1994 by administering Ryan White Part B and in 2000 by administering Center for Disease Control (CDC) Prevention services. In August of 1994, United Way began contracting with the State of Tennessee and convened a Part B Consortium for 39 counties in Middle Tennessee.
This Consortium, also known as the Community HIV/AIDS Partnership, is one of the most comprehensive volunteer planning and funding entities for HIV/AIDS. With the help of volunteers, this partnership has built a sustainable infrastructure for Ryan White Part B and CDC Prevention services. United Way has subcontracted with the State of Tennessee for Lead Agency services without interruption for 22 years, and in 2016, United Way became the Lead Agent of 92 of 95 counties in Tennessee, expanding their services and mission across the entire state. To date, United Way has administered well over 35 million dollars of Ryan White Part B and CDC Prevention funding.
United Way’s mission is to bring people and organizations together to create a community where individuals, families, and neighborhoods thrive. It is United Way’s goal to effectively serve the Middle Tennessee region with HIV/AIDS medical and support services. United Way has worked immensely to develop effective services for the Middle Tennessee region. In 2015 United Way served over 2,400 individuals with HIV Prevention and Care services through four prevention and three Part B sub-recipients. Understanding that Ryan White and Prevention services are essential to the community.
What does the Lead Agency do?
Lead Agency ensures that funds are used fairly and appropriately.
Responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of grant-supported activities.
Distribute funds according to consortia priorities and allocations
Establish grievance procedures to address funding-related decisions
Ensure delivery of services to women, infants, children, and youth with HIV disease
Ensure that Ryan White funds do not pay for care that is paid for elsewhere
Ensure that services are available and accessible to eligible clients
Carry out clinical quality management activities to ensure that services are of high quality
Prepare and submit Part B funding application
Limit grantee and provider administrative costs
Monitor contracts
Reallocate funds with the approval of the consortia, to ensure that all funds are spent and used efficiently and appropriately