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"These grant awards will demonstrate ways of improving discharge planning to link HIV-infected ex-offenders to a continuum of care and help them make a more successful transition back into the community," said Dr. Garth Graham, deputy assistant secretary for minority health. "We must all work together to close the health gap among minorities and transform our communities into safer and healthier places for all people."

Reentry for former inmates is a complex process. The stigma and physical challenges associated with HIV/AIDS creates barriers to employment, housing and reunification with family and friends. The need for assistance with health care is integral to an ex-offender’s ability to remain healthy and productive.

The HIRE program is designed to bring together multiple stakeholders within the public health system to work together to implement a model transition process by establishing a connection between the re-entry population and community-based, minority-serving organizations that will provide comprehensive HIV/AIDS-related services and transition assistance.

The grants also support the National Partnership for Action, which was organized by OMH to engage federal agencies, private organizations and community leaders to create a nation free of health disparities with quality health outcomes for all. The theme of the NPA is “Together we can. Together we will."

To find out more about these grants, please go to the Office of Minority Health web page at: minorityhealth.hhs.gov or call the OMH Resource Center at 1-800-444-6472.