National Minority AIDS Council Building Healthier Communities

NMAC's involvement in the Gulf Coast Region began quickly after its devastation by Hurricane Katrina on August 29, which halted the operation of many of the region's AIDS service organizations and leaving people living with HIV/AIDS without access to their medications. NMAC immediately dedicates itself to the region, employing its broadcast message system, NMAC Lifeline, as a means to distribute information to - and facilitate communication for - those in the impacted areas.

 

The program of USCA, set to take place a few weeks later in Houston, TX, was overhauled. Sessions concerning emergency preparedness and volunteer opportunities to assist Katrina evacuees relocated to Houston, are planned.

 

Unfortunately, the meeting was cancelled due to Hurricane Rita. NMAC holds the Gulf Coast focused-workshops promised at USCA during a special meeting in Washington, DC in October. The meeting proved to be an extremely emotional experience - some attendees had not seen their coworkers since the disaster had happened. In addition to the personal healing, the organizations also had a chance to discuss their concerns around grant compliance and future funding opportunities with government officials and private funders.

Click here to see pictures from the Gulf Coast Region Rebuilding Summit.

 

The image on the left shows Executive Director Paul Kawata standing on the steps outside NMAC's headquarters with attendees from the meeting. These ladies arrived the day after the meeting ended seeking a promise from Kawata and NMAC that they would continue their support of the Gulf Coast.

NMAC's commitment to the region has continued, holding the HIV Prevention Leadership Summit in New Orelans in 2007.