by Kira Caspers

Recent threats by the Trump administration to cut more than $1 billion from HIV prevention funding would hurt vulnerable San Diego populations, Rep. Scott Peters said at a press conference Thursday.

Peters warned that the loss of HIV prevention programs like the one at San Diego’s LGBT Community Center could erase two decades of hard work.

“Not only is it dumb, it’s cruel,” he said.

The Center, as it’s known in the community, is a nonprofit that provides a range of support and programs in addition to HIV testing. Other services include crisis support, food and housing resources for people who lack shelter, substance abuse counseling and sexual health education.

Center CEO Cara Dessert said funding HIV prevention is not only necessary for community health, but it’s also financially responsible.

“The Center has been serving this community for 50 years, and we know how to make every dollar count,” Dessert said. “The return on investment for these services, and the impact we have on this community, is extraordinary.”

The U.S. Health and Human Services Department said Tuesday it is reviewing the $1.3 billion HIV prevention division under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but no final decision has been made.

Washington officials are worried that the division will be shut down and its responsibilities moved to another department within HHS. The division is tasked with tracking infections across the nation and promoting testing and prevention.

The threat of these cuts came after the White House ordered an immediate halt to the distribution of HIV medications by U.S.-funded foreign clinics in January, disrupting treatment for millions of people worldwide.

“Cutting HIV prevention does not just affect our sexual health program, it cuts off the lifeline to our entire community,” Dessert said.

Dessert urged residents to call their representatives and advocate for HIV prevention funding.