Health care provider trims 23% of workforce

SARASOTA — CAN Community Health, one of the largest HIV/AIDS treatment and care organizations in the country, has cut its staff by 23%, or 57 people. The move, say CAN officials in a statement, is a direct result of “increased expenses within service areas and the lack of grant funding.”

That funding is part of what’s called the 340B Federal Drug Discount Program. Under 340B, pharmaceutical companies sign an agreement with the government to provide discounts of at least 50% on medications to pre-approved agencies and health care providers, like CAN. Those agencies, to qualify for 340B, need to have the total funds to pay for the drugs — money that comes from reimbursements, grants and community donations. A third-party administrator holds those funds — and the organization can’t treat people without the money.