BROOKLYN, New York.- The New York State Department of Health—AIDS Institute (DOH) made a one-year grant of $10,000 to the Batey Relief Alliance (BRA) to carry out HIV/AIDS awareness and education targeting the immigrant populations living in the Brooklyn’s area of Flatbush.

This is the third year BRA has received the funding through a Legislative Member Item of Assemblywoman Rhoda Jacobs of the 42nd Assembly District. “We know that there are many needs out there. We will focus on health issues of the community in particular, in an effort to combat the drastic effects of HIV/AIDS. Ignorance and silence can be deadly,” said Ulrick Gaillard, BRA’s CEO.

The message of HIV and AIDS is transmitted to the community via radio waves at the Flatbush-based Radio Soleil. “This year, we are happy to also partner with the DIASPORA COMMUNITY SERVICES, a Brooklyn-based grass-roots health-oriented organization to speak about the danger of the virus and prevention,” added Gaillard. After each session, listeners are provided with phone numbers and referrals to receive HIV/AIDS-related materials, testing, condoms or treatment. “I am pleased to have the opportunity to join the Batey Relief Alliance in bringing a very important program of information and education to increase the well being and empowerment of our community,” said Jacobs.

The Batey Relief Alliance also implements, in partnership with the Clinton HIV/AIDS Initiative and the Dominican Ministry of Health a comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention and antiretroviral treatment program inside the bateyes of the Dominican Republic.

For more information about the humanitarian health and HIV/AIDS work of the BRA, please visit the organization’s website at www.bateyrelief.org or contact Ulrick Gaillard at (917) 627-5026 or bateyrelief@mindspring.com.