ViiV Healthcare has awarded seven grants to organizations in the South that focus on reducing HIV disparities regarding prevention, treatment adherence and linkage to care. According to a ViiV press release, the grants are part of ViiV’s community-focused Positive Action Southern Initiative.

The grants are designed to support organizations that fill gaps in services or enhance existing programs to reach marginalized groups such as African Americans, transgender people, the homeless and men who have sex with men (MSM). Grants of up to $50,000 per year were awarded to:

  • Atlanta Harm Reduction Coalition Inc. in Atlanta, GA
  • Brotherhood Inc. in New Orleans, LA
  • Family Services of Greater Baton Rouge in Baton Rouge, LA
  • Grace House Inc. in Jackson, MS
  • My Brother’s Keeper Inc. in Ridgeland, MS
  • SisterLove Inc. in Atlanta, GA
  • Someone Cares Inc. of Atlanta in Atlanta, GA

ViiV’s Southern Initiative is part of its larger Positive Action global program. The Southern Initiative focuses on states with the highest risk and rate of HIV. These include Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.