BROOKLYN, New York. – Through the support of Assemblywoman Rhoda Jacobs of the Brooklyn’s 42nd A.D., the New York State Department of Health’s AIDS Institute awarded a second grant of $10,000 to help the Batey Relief Alliance educate the heavily immigrant population about HIV/AIDS. “I am pleased to be part of this important project in bringing information and education to increase the well being and empowerment of our community,” said Jacobs.

Through radio waves, HIV/AIDS experts speak about the danger of contraction and prevention to those who may be at risk. More than 50,000 targeted listeners have the opportunity to ask questions regarding testing, treatment, and other key issues of importance to them. Jacobs added, “We focus on health issues of our community in particular, in an effort to combat the drastic effects of HIV/AIDS. And ignorance and silence can be deadly.”

Since 2005, the Batey Relief Alliance carries out, in partnerships with the USAID, Clinton HIV/AIDS Initiative and the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Health, a comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention and antiretroviral treatment program inside the bateyes of the Dominican Republic.

Contact Ulrick Gaillard at (917) 627-5026 or bra@bateyrelief.org. Visit the work of the BRA at www.bateyrelief.org.