New York, December 2007 — Harlem United is proud to announce a generous $491,899 grant from The M-A-C AIDS Fund for its new “Blocks Project,” a ground-breaking HIV prevention initiative in Harlem. Harlem United is also pleased that Mr. Joe Pressley, former Executive Director of the New York AIDS Coalition (NYAC) will head the initiative.

The goal of the Blocks Project is to dramatically reduce HIV infection and AIDS health disparities among predominantly Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino neighborhoods of Central and East Harlem. Rather than relying on traditional HIV prevention strategies—which focus on population categories (e.g., injection drug users, men who have sex with men) that may frequently engage in high-risk behavior—the “Blocks Project” will deploy a ground-breaking, geographically-based approach to HIV prevention.

Block by block, the program will target all individuals living in specific, high-risk neighborhoods (identified by health department data). It will provide these neighborhoods with HIV testing services and connection to medical care. Significantly, the Blocks Project will also offer social services that target the underlying socioeconomic needs which lead to risky behavior and transmission of the AIDS virus.

On behalf of Harlem United and its Board of Directors, Patrick J. McGovern, Executive Director, stated: “As recent city health data make clear, the number of HIV infections continue to rise, particularly in Harlem. Our community urgently needs new approaches to stem this epidemic. We are deeply grateful to The M-A-C AIDS Fund for their help in initiating this cutting-edge program. M-A-C’s continuing support and willingness to sponsor innovation are vital to our community’s health. Their generosity and partnership are making a real difference in our fight against HIV/AIDS.”

Ms. Sara Gillen, Deputy Director for Prevention, noted: “With Joe Pressley as Managing Director of The Blocks Project, our HIV prevention team will benefit from his years of experience as NYAC’s Executive Director and his expertise in grassroots community action. These skills will be vital to the success of our Blocks Project.”