Media Release

FOR: Immediate Release
DATE: July 27, 1999
CONTACT: Pheamo R. Witcher at 401-222-2901

Rhode Island Department of Health, Office of Minority Health Awards $279,650 in Community Grants

The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) announced awards of $279,650 in grants to thirteen community-based agencies serving racial and ethnic minority populations. Awardees are expected to operate "Minority Health Promotion Centers" which will serve as focal points for health education, information and risk reduction activities within the minority community. Pheamo R. Witcher, Minority Health Coordinator, explained that the grant awardees were chosen by a grant review committee of the Minority Health Advisory Committee. The Centers will focus on three or more health issues for which minorities are at disproportionate risk. Recent minority health data indicate that minorities are dying prematurely from the following preventable diseases: cancer (all sites), diabetes, infant mortality, homicide and intentional injuries, unintentional injuries and HIV/AIDS.

Patricia A. Nolan, MD, MPH, Director of HEALTH stated, "The grant awards are the result of a tremendously successful collaboration between the Minority Health Advisory Committee and HEALTH". Henry Johnson, Director of Affirmative Action for Lifespan and the Chair of the Minority Health Advisory Committee commented, "I'm very pleased that we have been able to award these grant dollars in support of these exciting and much needed minority health promotion projects. The following organizations will operate "Minority Health Promotion Centers" during Fiscal Year 2000 (July 1, 1999-June 30, 2000):

Allen AME Church will receive a grant of $25,000 to operate the Allen Intergenerational Wellness Center to provide education, information, and referral services to West End residents. The Wellness Center will target its prevention efforts at heart disease, stroke, breast and cervical cancers, and diabetes.

The Center for Hispanic Policy & Advocacy (CHisPA) will receive $22,800 to expand its Promotoras de la Salud Program to conduct individual and community health risk assessments, bilingual health education and outreach activities in Providence, West Warwick and Woonsocket. CHisPA will also develop a bilingual Health Help Line that will be staffed by trained Promotoras.

The Genesis Center will receive a grant of $22,825 to operate both its Multicultural Family Health Information & Education Center and its Peer Health Educator Project.

International Institute of RI will receive a grant of $24,000 to establish a two-track program to educate minority immigrants on minority heath care issues in the areas of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and women’s health, causing clients to convert their knowledge into obtaining screenings, referrals and treatment.

Progreso Latino, Inc will receive a grant of $23,700 to establish the Latino Wellness Center. The Wellness Center will provide health education, screenings and referral services for Latinos in the Central Falls/Pawtucket area.

Providence Housing Authority will receive a grant of $17,500 to continue its award winning WISE-UP Program for youth; while also establishing the Health PHASE program (Public Housing Adult & Senior Education) which bring health information, education and risk reduction activities to parents and other adults, including seniors, living in public housing.

Oasis International will receive a grant of $10,025 to establish a minority health promotion program for Nigerians, the West African French speaking population (primarily individuals from Mali, the Ivory Coast, Gambia, Senegal, Guinea), Tanzanians and West Indian populations. Health education, information and referral services will be provided to these communities through churches, mosques, African and West Indian businesses and club locations.

The Olney Street Baptist Church will receive a grant of $20,000 for its "Get Healthy/Stay Healthy Program", which is a collaborative project with Union Baptist Church in Pawtucket, the East Providence Community Center and the St. Martin de Porres Senior Center in Providence.

Socio–Economic Development Center for Southeast Asian (SEDC) will receive a grant of $25,000 for its Cambodian and Hmong Health Promotion Center. The Center will continue to provide heath risk assessment, education, consumer information, screening coordination and referral services for the Cambodian and Hmong communities. SEDC will also conduct an annual cultural competency workshop for health care provider’s to increase awareness of Southeast Asian culture and medical beliefs, especially as they relate to health care practices and beliefs.

South Providence Neighborhood Ministries will receive a grant of $25,000 to continue its Neighborhood Minority Health Promotion Center (NMHPC), which provides individual and community health risk assessment, community outreach, health education, consumer empowerment activities, a health information center, and screening and referral services to neighborhood residents.

Urban League of Rhode Island -The Urban League of Rhode Island Inc. will receive a grant of $22,800 to operate a Minority Health Promotion Center focusing on the needs of teenagers and teen mothers in Providence.

The Westminster Senior Center - The Westminster Senior Center will receive a grant of $17,000 for its "Better Health through Empowerment and Education Program". The goals of this program are: 1) to maximize the use of health resources; 2) to provide health education programs focusing on disease prevention; 3) to promote mental health wellness and encourage healthy lifestyles through exercise and nutrition among minority Hispanic and African-American Senior citizens.

Women & Infant’s Hospital-Family Van - The Providence Family Van will receive a grant of $24,000 to implement a culturally sensitive comprehensive health outreach program designed to address health disparities in minority communities, by bringing services directly to people in need. The Van will provide health education, information and referrals relating to cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, infant mortality, HIV/AIDS, family planning, STD’s, access to care.

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Department of Health Website: www.health.state.ri.us