Special
Initiatives:
Minority HIV/AIDS Initiatives (MAI)
In
October 1998, the Clinton Administration declared HIV/AIDS
in racial and ethnic minority communities a "severe and ongoing
health crisis." The Administration,
Department
of Health and Human Services (HHS)
in collaboration with the Congressional
Black Caucus (CBC), announced a new $156 million initiative
to address this crisis through increased funding and outreach to
these communities. In FY 1999, more than two thirds of the
funds were from new appropriated resources—$60 million in new funds
and $50 million from the Public Health and Social Service Emergency
Fund. The remaining $46 million was redirected from within
the existing HHS budget.
In FY 1999,
the Initiative targeted African American and Hispanic communities.
In FY 2000, the Minority AIDS Initiative (MAI) was created
to include all communities of color. The Initiative began in FY
1999 with $156 million, and the funding to support the expanded
programs increased to $251 million in FY 2000, and $350 million
in FY 2001.
MAI funds target
programs to enhance effective HIV/AIDS efforts that directly benefit
racial and ethnic minority communities in three broad funding categories:
technical
assistance and infrastructure support, increasing access to
prevention and care, and building stronger community linkages to
address the HIV prevention and health care needs of specific populations.
In an effort
to increase access to education and training opportunities for providers
who serve minority communities, the Provider Education & Training
Resource directory serves as a guide to federally funded HIV/AIDS
related opportunities available throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico,
and U.S. Territories. Plans to address the need for increased
efforts to fight HIV/AIDS in minority communities include the establishment
of Crisis Response Teams, and Enhanced Efforts in Reducing Disparities
in Treatment and Health
Outcomes for Minorities with HIV/AIDS.
|
