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Office of Minority Health Awards More Than $3 Million to Eliminate Health Disparities

The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health on October 20, 2009 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