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RESOURCE ALLOCATIONS
Each year, the Denver HIV Resources Planning Council (DHRPC) carefully reviews all Ryan White Part A service categories to determine how funding should be distributed. This annual Resource Allocation process is rooted in data and guided by the lived experiences of People Living with HIV (PLHIV).
The Resource Allocation process begins with a review of relevant data to evaluate each service category. The Planning Council applies a consistent set of evaluation components to guide decision-making. These include:
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Importance of the service to People Living with HIV (PLHIV)
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Impact on viral suppression and the HIV Care Continuum
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Utilization and demand for the service
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Provision availability from other funding sources
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Cost-effectiveness of delivering the service
If additional data is needed, requests may be submitted to the Planning Council, Council staff, or directly through this website.
Once evaluations are complete, the Council determines which categories will receive specific funding percentages. From there, a Contingency Allocation Plan is developed in case the actual grant award is different from expected. These contingency scenarios are based on award levels of 80% and 60% of the anticipated amount.
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To safeguard essential services, Resource Allocation rules may also be established. These ensure that—no matter the circumstances—critical care continues as long as possible.
Because Ryan White is the payor of last resort, funds are used only when no other options are available. Every decision reflects a commitment to fiscal responsibility and health outcomes that matter.
What is Priority Setting?
Resource Allocation is one of the most critical responsibilities of the Planning Council. It is a deliberate, data-driven process that determines how limited Ryan White Part A funds are distributed across eligible services in the Denver TGA. This isn’t just budgeting—it’s strategic triage. With funding levels vulnerable to shifts and economic constraints, the Planning Council must ensure every dollar maximizes health outcomes and meets the core medical and support service needs of people living with HIV.
In this environment, Resource Allocation requires fiscal discipline, thoughtful analysis, and commitment to PLHIV. The process involves reviewing utilization trends, service performance, and cost-effectiveness to develop a funding strategy that is both responsive and resilient—even in the face of uncertainty. The decisions made during our Resource Allocations meeting will have a direct impact on access, care, and the future of HIV services in our region.
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It’s important to note:
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Not all service categories will receive funding.
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Contingency Allocations will be established in case the FY2026 grant award is less than expected.
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Allocation rules may be established to fund or not fund categories at certain percentages when the grant award less a certain percent.
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​ Step 1 : Evaluation of the
Part A Service Categories​​​
Evaluation components determine where service categories will be grouped and includes: what is the service's importance (to PLHIV), impact (on viral suppression and HIV Care Continuum), utilization and demand, provision availability (of funding source), and cost value obtained through service delivery.
Here is a closer look at the components used to evaluate the service categories:
1. The Importance to PLHIV PLHIV-Centered Priority Setting By recognizing PLHIV as active participants—not just recipients—in the planning and implementation of HIV care, the Planning Council strives to strengthen a culturally responsive system at the heart of the Ryan White Part A program. Examples of why this matters: The needs of the individual changes throughout their lifetime. Above all else, a PLHIV experiencing homelessness may prioritize Housing Support Services above or Emergency Financial Assistance over other services which are critical for stabilizing their care and access to services. In the Denver TGA, Psychosocial Support Services have historically ranked high because social connection creates space for shared knowledge, emotional support, and empowerment.
2. Impact Service categories that support medication access, adherence, and clinical engagement are central to improving health outcomes for PLHIV and achieving viral suppression. The Planning Council considers how the delivery of services impacts the HIV Care Continuum when setting priorities. Examples: Access to HIV medication is essential for viral suppression and long-term health. ADAP plays a crucial role in ensuring affordability and continuity of treatment. PLHIV who use substances may face challenges with medication adherence. Access to substance use treatment and harm reduction strategies supports care retention and viral load management. Regular visits with HIV care providers help monitor health, adjust treatment as needed, and reinforce adherence-making Outpatient Ambulatory Health a key pillar in achieving viral suppression.
3. Utilization and Demand of Use The Planning Council considers how a service category is being used in the Denver TGA, and the demand for what it provides. Utilization of services informs how well a category is funded. Service Categories that are underspent may not be utilized as much as those with consistent overspending, indicating high demand. Examples: Oral health has a significant impact on overall health and the ability of PLHIV to thrive and it is consistently overspent and in high demand. Medical Nutrition Therapy can greatly benefit PLHIV—especially those managing other conditions like diabetes or gastrointestinal issues and utilization in the Denver TGA has historically been low. This may be due to a limited number of trained providers, lack of patient awareness, or a perception that nutrition support is less urgent than other clinical needs. Low demand also reflects broader changes in the health trajectory of PLHIV. As medical advancements have improved, overall wellness, many will no longer face the same nutritional challenges common in the early days of the epidemic. Despite its lower utilization, MNT remains essential for certain populations and warrants consideration based on targeted demand. It should also be noted that, while MNT is a core medical service, it is currently supported through other funding sources.
4. Provision Availability by Payor Source Ryan White Part A is the payor of last resort—meaning it only covers services when no other funding source is available. Priority Setting takes into account whether a service is already paid for by another payor, such as Medicaid, private insurance, or other public programs. This ensures Ryan White Part A funds are used efficiently and directed toward services that cannot be covered elsewhere. Examples: Initial Intake Appointment: For someone newly diagnosed who does not yet have insurance coverage, Ryan White Part A may fund the initial medical visit to ensure immediate linkage to care. Medical Transportation Services (MTS): If Medicaid or other public transportation benefits are not available or applicable, Ryan White Part A may step in to cover transportation costs for medical appointments. However, if another payor is available, that source must be used first.
5. Cost and Value of the Provided Service When setting priorities, the Planning Council considers whether the cost of providing a service is reasonable and sustainable within the available Ryan White Part A budget. Even if a service is in high demand, it must be weighed against how far the funds can stretch and the overall value it brings to PLHIV in the Denver TGA. Cost-effectiveness is a key factor—services that provide broad, sustained impact for a reasonable cost may be ranked higher than more expensive services that serve fewer people or duplicate efforts already funded elsewhere. Examples: Residential Substance Use Services: While important, these services come with a high per-person cost. In the Denver TGA, funding this category through Ryan White Part A would quickly lead to overspending, limiting available dollars for other high-impact services. Housing Services: The need for housing support is critical, but the scale of investment required often exceeds what Ryan White Part A can reasonably provide. As a result, funding housing at a meaningful level would compromise the program’s ability to maintain essential core medical services.
Next Step: Council Discussion
Discuss, Propose, Finalize, Vote
Following a thorough evaluation, the Planning Council determines funding percentages for each service category. These decisions are grounded in data trends and priorities identified through the Priority Setting process. The goal is to ensure resources are directed where they will have the greatest impact.
Given the unpredictability of annual grant awards, the Council also prepares a contingency allocation plan—starting with an 80% funding scenario and adaptable down to 60% if necessary. Additional contingencies may be developed, and the Council stands ready to make timely reallocations if funding conditions shift mid-year. This proactive approach protects service continuity and reinforces the DHRPC’s responsibility as stewards of public health funding.
The Promise of Resource Allocation
Resource Allocation is more than dividing funds—it’s a promise to use every dollar with intention, integrity, and impact. It reflects our commitment to strategic thinking, fiscal responsibility, and the lives behind every service. In a world where resources are limited and needs are great, this process ensures that care is not left to chance but guided by evidence, foresight, and the courage to prioritize what matters most. The promise is simple: to protect access, amplify outcomes, and honor the responsibility entrusted to us.
The Ryan White HIV Program
Th​e Parts
