Feds award millions for at-risk minority youth

Landover, MD – The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health today announced the award of more than $3 million to 12 organizations to support efforts to eliminate health disparities in racial and ethnic minority communities.

"These awards underscore our continuing commitment to eliminate health disparities experienced by traditionally disadvantaged populations across the nation," said Dr. Garth Graham, deputy assistant secretary for minority health. "Our comprehensive effort to close the health gap among minorities continues to strengthen our nation's health care while providing better health services to more Americans."

The awards include 12 grants totaling nearly $3.6 million for the Youth Empowerment Demonstration Program, which focuses on addressing unhealthy behaviors in at-risk minority youth and provides them with opportunities to learn about more positive lifestyles and make informed and healthier life choices. This program is intended to test community-based involvement on reducing risky behaviors among minority youth. These demonstration grants involve institutions of higher education, primary and secondary schools, community organizations and institutions, and the community at-large.

As a whole, these projects will focus on the reduction of high-risk behaviors and connect individuals to a continuum of care to promote healthy behavior.

2009

Youth Empowerment Program Grants

Towson University, Towson, Mar., $300,000

University Aux & Research Corp.(Cal State SM), San Marcos, Calif. $300,000

Chicago State University, Chicago, Ill. $300,000

University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah $300,000

Calif. State University, Long Beach Foundation, Long Beach, Calif. $300,000

Stone Child College, Box Elder, Mont., $300,000

Columbus State Community College, Columbus, Ohio, $300,000

Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Ore., $300,000

Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, Penn., $300,000

Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisc., $300,000

Res. Foundation CUNY for Hunter College, New York City $300,000

Kentucky State University, Frankfort, Ken., $300,000

Contact:	Isabel Estrada Portales
	Director of Communications
	OMHRC
	Phone: (301) 251-1797 x223
	E-Mail: iestrada@omhrc.gov Office of Minority Health (240) 453-8833