Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1995. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
PR Newswire - November 29, 1995
"One of our concerns in this country is the rapid spread of HIV in many minority communities," said Toomey, "because in the past these communities did not see themselves at risk. In Georgia, community groups have developed creative ways to help people understand the pandemic and how to protect themselves. We will celebrate their achievements on Dec. 1."
Twelve organizations receive federal grants through DHR for community-based HIV/AIDS prevention, with particular focus on Asian Americans, Hispanics, African Americans and HIV positive men.
Among the groups funded are AIDS Education Services for Minorities (Atlanta); the Columbus Wellness Center; the National Black Men's Health Network (Atlanta and Taylor County); Project Azuka (Savannah and Chatham County); and the National Organization of Black County Officials (Atlanta and some rural areas throughout the state).
The Asian Community Service Center of Atlanta works with Vietnamese, Cambodian, Hmong, Thai, Korean and Chinese immigrants. The Korean Community Service Center serves Indians, Pakistanis, Filipinos, and Pacific Islanders as well as Koreans. Both talk to people in their homes as well as in churches and other community centers.
Two organizations have programs directed to Atlanta housing project residents.
The William H. Borders, Sr. Treatment Center serves Grady Homes, particularly substance abusers and people at risk. The Wholistic Stress Control Institute serves McDaniel Glenn Housing, as well as youth detention centers, two prisons, and the YMCA.
Mercy Mobile Health Care visits migrant workers in Moultrie and Metter. They also have vans which go to Hispanic people in housing projects and other Atlanta neighborhoods.
The AIDS Survival Project trains peer counselors who help HIV positive men avoid spreading HIV or becoming reinfected. AID Atlanta, the oldest AIDS organization in the state, conducts HIV counseling and testing in their midtown Atlanta office.
"People might not listen so well to someone from the government," said State Epidemiologist Toomey, "but these health educators come from the communities where they work. They really know and care about their communities. They are among our strongest weapons in the fight against HIV and AIDS."
For more information about HIV prevention efforts in Georgia, contact the Community Planning Unit, Epidemiology and Prevention Branch, 404-657-3100.
CONTACT: Francisca Vassy, DHR Office of Communications, 404-656-4937/ 12:57 EST
Copyright (c) 1995/PR NewsWire. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Permissions Desk, PR Newswire, 810 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10019.
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