Thursday, November 21, 2024
11/21/2024
The WestCare Georgia, Inc. POWER (Prevention, Outreach, Wellness, Empower and Resources) Program will serve 13-24 yr. olds in DeKalb, Fulton and Cobb Counties a continuum of care that addresses HIV/VH and substance use problems through counseling, testing and linkages (CLT), mentoring, trauma informed care, Making Proud Choices and Botvin evidence-based curriculums, summer programming and individualized follow-up care. The proposed program is in alignment with the Public Health Service Act to support efforts that eradicate the HIV epidemic. All three counties are included in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area (Atlanta Metropolitan Area) and located in designated geographic catchment areas of localities hardest hit by the HIV epidemic. LGBTQ Youth of Color are disproportionately likely to experience homelessness and contract HIV during their lifetimes. While they represent less than 5% of the total population, the Atlanta Youth Count survey found that 28% of homeless youth in Metro Atlanta were LGBTQ; of those, 62% were African-American/Black. HIV is increasing among young, Black, gay/bisexual men, while decreasing in their white counterparts, despite the same levels of risk behavior. By age 30, half of all Black, gay/bisexual men in Atlanta will contract HIV. WC-GA proposes to expand programming within Atlanta Public Schools, Georgia State and Kennesaw State Universities, George W. Hartmann Center, Samuel L. Jones and Warren Boys & Girls Clubs, WC-GA Youth Academy, and DeKalb Juvenile Court. POWER and its partner organizations will provide prevention navigation training, testing, and evidence-based curriculum. Partner organizations will increase preventive training and the number of HIV/HCV testing supplies it currently provides WC-GA to focus on youth under 18. The goals of this project, each with measurable objectives, are to (1) Expand capacity in DeKalb, Fulton and Cobb Counties to provide substance misuse, HIV, and VH services and prevention messaging to racial/ethnic minority youth 13-24 years. (2) Improve social functioning among DeKalb, Fulton and Cobb County minority youth. (3) Reduce substance misuse related problems including the transmission of HIV and VH. The WC-GA POWER will provide EBC to approximately 200 high school students annually (1000 throughout the life of the grant) in Health Education class; HIV/HEP C CTL to 200 youth age 13-24 yr. olds (1000 across the life of the grant); and culturally responsive HIV/VH education and training to 20 SUD/HIV providers annually (100 across the life of the grant). WC-GA POWER will blend evidence-based treatment modalities to optimize student success and program sustainability. Youth media awareness campaigns will promote testing, prevention strategies and HIV/STD/Hepatitis C transmission.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
