Skip to main content

Congressman Cohen Announces $284,387 Grant for Memphis City Schools for HIV/AIDS Prevention

March 4, 2008


“AIDS and HIV continue to plague the citizens of the 9th District, particularly the African American community, and I am thankful that the federal government is taking a more active role in funding prevention programs,” said Congressman Cohen.

The grant is a new award from the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, a division of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the money will go towards the creation of a comprehensive school health program to prevent sexual behaviors that result in HIV infection and improve educational outcomes. According to the Memphis and Shelby County Health Department, in 2005 there were 7,570 residents in Memphis and Shelby County that had been infected with HIV/AIDS, and 5,008 were still living with the disease. African Americans represent more than 80% of those living with the disease in the 9th District.

“We must attack this problem by giving our students and children the information that they need to know about HIV and AIDS prevention,” added Congressman Cohen. “I am committed to fighting for our schools to receive the necessary funding for better health education and healthier school environments in the 9th District. I commend HHS for committing these moneys to the Memphis City Schools system.”

- 30 -

Contact:
Marilyn Dillihay, Press Secretary, (202) 225-3265/ (202) 368-9275 (mobile)
Charlie Gerber, Communications Assistant, (202) 225-3265 / (202) 320-2817 (mobile)

Issues:Health Care