The HIV/AIDS Bureau (HAB) supports a range of activities to address HIV/AIDS care needs among African-Americans. For example, the Minority AIDS Initiative (MAI) established by the Congress under each of the Ryan White Part A, B, C and D programs, addresses the HIV/AIDS care needs of African Americans and other disproportionately impacted communities.
Under Part A, MAI formula grants provide core medical and related support services to improve access and reduce disparities in health outcomes in metropolitan areas hardest hit by the epidemic. Under Part B, MAI formula grants fund outreach and education services designed to increase minority access to needed HIV/AIDS medications through state Part B AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAP). Under Part C, MAI funds are used by community health centers and other service providers to improve access to early intervention HIV/AIDS services. Other examples include technical assistance to expand the capacity of agencies to deliver HIV/AIDS care to minority persons, and training to expand the pool of minority providers in underserved communities. HAB also funds other technical assistance services and studies on the most effective means to reach underserved populations.
The Minority AIDS Initiative (MAI) has been providing resources to the Ryan White Program since 1999, but it was not included in the legislation until the 2006 reauthorization. The MAI’s roots can be traced to a March 1998 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention consultation with African-American community leaders and HIV prevention program grantees.
Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-415, December 19, 2006)
Part F - Minority AIDS Initiative Publications