The State : Money Slated for AIDS Drug

California health officials will distribute $7.6 million in federal funds to the state’s counties to help pay the cost of the anti-AIDS drug AZT. The money is being distributed to the 58 counties according to the numbers of AIDS sufferers in their areas. The funds will be administered by county health departments. As of June 30, there were 4,151 living patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome in California, according to state officials. San Francisco, with 1,487 patients, has the largest number and will receive $2,735,000. Los Angeles County is second with 1,206 patients and $2,218,000, and Alameda and San Diego counties each has 249 patients, both qualifying for $458,000. AZT, or azidiothymidine, which state and federal health experts say is not a cure for AIDS but helps prolong life and fights off the effects of the disease, is the only anti-AIDS drug approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration.