Media Release

For: Immediate Release
Date: May 17, 2002
Contact: Vania Brown-Small 401-222-5117

Rhode Island Department of Health, Office of Minority Health Awards $18,795 in Community Mini-Grants

The RI Department of Health, Office of Minority Health announces awards of $18,795 in mini-grants to ten community-based agencies serving racial and ethnic populations. Awardees will serve as focal points for health education, information and risk reduction activities within the minority community.Current health data show compelling evidence that while the health of the nation is improving, health disparities continue to fall more heavily on certain racial and ethnic populations. Disparities include access to health-related information and health care resources. The following organizations are mini-grant award recipients for Fiscal Year 2002 (July 1, 2001 - June 30, 2002):

• Arthritis Foundation $2000

• YMCA Community Center 2000
• OMEGA Project, Inc. 2000
• Chinese Nurse Association of America 1450
• Rhode Island Association of Chinese Americans 2000
• Waterspill Junction 2000
• The National Coalition of 100 Black Women 1500
• Cornerstone Adult Services 1875
• The YWCA of Northern Rhode Island 2000
• Oasis International 2000
• TOTAL $18795

For more information, including a short description of each activity go to www.health.ri.gov/chic/minority/awards.htm.