$3 Million awarded to further HIV/AIDS related services in underserved minority communities

WASHINGTON, DC – The Office of Minority Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded nearly $3 million to 13 organizations, to support efforts to help improve the capability of community-based organizations in providing comprehensive HIV/AIDS-related services in underserved racial and ethnic minority communities.

“These grant awards will help us continue our efforts to support and nurture the great work of community-based organizations in their day-to-day battle against HIV/AIDS,” said Dr. Garth Graham, deputy assistant secretary for minority health. “We must all work together to close the health gap among minority populations, especially those who might not fit into general population treatment categories.”

This grant program is based on the premise that providing technical assistance and capacity development to organizations closely linked with the minority populations impacted by the disease will help them better serve their clients.

This approach is designed to strengthen existing organizations’ by developing and expanding their technical skills and infrastructure capacity. It also places a primary focus on the unmet needs of specific subpopulations, including: women in temporary housing, transition or recovery from domestic violence, substance abuse, and/or incarceration, individuals who have recently been released from prison or jail, substance abusers, and individuals impacted by mental health disorders.