[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 183 (Monday, September 22, 1997)] [Notices] [Page 49521] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 97-25017] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Notice of a Cooperative Agreement With the National Minority AIDS Council The Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) HIV/AIDS Bureau announces that it will enter into an umbrella cooperative agreement with the National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC). This cooperative agreement will establish the broad programmatic framework in which specific projects can be funded. The purpose of this cooperative agreement is to assist NMAC in expanding and enhancing its HIV training and technical assistance to Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act providers servicing racial and ethnic minority populations, with the ultimate goal of improving the health status of minorities and disadvantaged people. HRSA will provide consultation, including administrative and technical assistance as needed, for the execution and evaluation of all aspects of this cooperative agreement. Activities will include but not be limited to developing materials, guides, and conferences for HRSA's Ryan White programs. HRSA will also participate and/or collaborate with the NMAC in any workshops or symposia to exchange current information, opinions, and research findings during this agreement. Authorizing Legislation This cooperative agreement is authorized under Section 2692 of the PHS Act. Background Assistance will be provided to the National Minority AIDS Council. No other applications are solicited. NMAC is the only organization capable of administering this cooperative agreement because it has: 1. Developed, expanded, and managed an infrastructure to coordinate and implement various programs within local communities and organizations that deal extensively with HIV in each of the ethnic minority populations served by the Ryan White CARE Act programs of HRSA. The Council established national initiatives--e.g., conferences, public policy education program (including policy forums), technical assistance programs and publications (including newsletters, action alerts and training manuals) that provide a foundation upon which to develop, promote, and manage HIV-related health programs aimed at preventing and reducing unnecessary morbidity and mortality rates among racial and ethnic minority populations. 2. Established itself and its members as a national association of professionals who serve as leaders and experts in planning, developing, implementing, promoting and evaluating HIV-related education and policy campaigns, both nationally and locally, aimed at reducing the impact of HIV in minority populations and improving the minority community's overall well being. 3. Developed a base of critical knowledge, skills, and abilities related to serving minority individuals and organizations with a range of HIV-related health and social problems. Through the collective efforts of its members, community-based organizations, and volunteers, NMAC has demonstrated (1) the ability to work with minority and non- minority organizations, the Federal Government, academic institutions, and health groups on mutually beneficial education, research, and health endeavors relating to the goal of health promotion and disease prevention among racial and ethnic minority populations; (2) the national leadership necessary to focus the nation's attention on minority-related HIV issues; and (3) the leadership needed to assist Ryan White health care professionals to work more effectively with racial/ethnic minority communities. 4. Developed a national network of individuals, community-based organizations, and state, regional, and national health and civil rights organizations committed to addressing the HIV service, treatment, and research needs of individuals effected and infected by HIV and AIDS. Approximately $200,000 is available in fiscal year (FY) 1997 for a 12-month budget period within a project period of 3 years. Continuation awards within the project period will be made on the basis of satisfactory progress and the availability of funds. Where To Obtain Additional Information If you are interested in obtaining additional information regarding this project, contact Joan Holloway, HIV/AIDS Bureau, HRSA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 7-13, Rockville, Maryland 20857 or telephone (301) 443-9530. Dated: September 15, 1997. Claude E. Fox, Acting Administrator. [FR Doc. 97-25017 Filed 9-19-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4160-15-P