Federal funding to the state's HIV division was cut by $3.7 million and now 20 HIV prevention staffers at state health departments are slated to lose their jobs in January, according to a story in Georgia Health News.

Creative Loafing reports that former AJC reporter Andy Miller started Georgia Health News to cover health issues in the state.

"Miller, a former AJC reporter, helped break the story about Georgia's woeful mental health system. He's since started HGN, which fills a needed gap by covering health policy in the Peach State," CL states.

Georgia's HIV division has come under serious attacks by HIV/AIDS groups. In late June, the HIV Unit's prevention program manager resigned after just 16 months on the job. Activists said the resignation was just another indication of the state's lackluster approach to HIV prevention while officials with the unit say they are committed to improving the state's response to HIV prevention.