Damien Center Receives $2M to Prevent HIV
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The Damien Center in Indianapolis has received a $2 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The nonprofit says the funding will support its work to prevent HIV infections for Young Transgender Persons of Color and their partners.
Damien Center says it will use the grant to develop and implement a high-impact HIV prevention program that will reduce new HIV infections. The program also aims to increase access to care and prevention services, and promote health equity among YTG Persons of Color and their partners.
The organization is planning to hire five full-time positions to support the work.
“It is imperative that service organizations like Damien Center provide gender affirming care and treatment services to transgender and gender diverse individuals with HIV,” said Alan Witchey, chief executive officer at Damien Center. “This new program will help address health disparities and reduce barriers to lifesaving HIV care, medication, and support services for transgender people with HIV so they can lead long, healthy lives.”
Damien Center says it is partnering with Trans Solutions in Indy to increase HIV testing and expand the capacity of STI and viral hepatitis screenings. The nonprofit also hopes to connect more clients to HIV prevention and care services, and improve monitoring and accountability.
Damien Center is one of 36 organizations receiving grants from the CDC for HIV prevention programs.