Copyright 2000 Boston Herald Inc.
The Boston Herald
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June 14, 2000 Wednesday ALL EDITIONS
SECTION: NEWS; Pg. 012
LENGTH: 215 words
HEADLINE:
New funding targets AIDS among Hub minorities
BYLINE:
By MICHAEL LASALANDRA
BODY:
Mayor Thomas M. Menino
yesterday announced the distribution of $ 1.7 million in funding for AIDS
programs throughout the city.
The money includes $ 400,000 in new
federal funds targeted to the medical treatment of minorities.
A number
of programs that serve black and Hispanic youths are getting funding for AIDS
education and prevention for the first time, said John Auerbach, head of the
city's Public Health Commission.
"We're making an effort to reflect
changes in the demographics of the epidemic," said Auerbach.
In
announcing the distribution of funds during an event at the Harvard Street
Community Health Center in Dorchester yesterday, Menino noted that cases of AIDS
and HIV infection are on the increase among members of Boston's minority
communities.
In 1998, the death rate for Hispanics with AIDS increased
by 23 percent, at the same time that the overall AIDS death rate declined by 12
percent.
The disease was also the leading cause of death among blacks
and Hispanics between the ages of 24 and 44.
Besides the extra $ 400,000
from the federal Ryan White Care Act, Menino said $ 1.3 million
in city funds will go toward prevention and education programs.
A total
of 21 agencies will share in the city money, while five more will split the
federal dollars.
LOAD-DATE: June 14, 2000
