[Washington, DC, July 10, 2003]—Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen is pleased to announce that the Virgin Islands is set to receive HIV/AIDS funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The American Red Cross will receive $150,000 for the HIV Community based Prevention for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands program. The budget period July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004 and the funds will be used for salaries, equipment, supplies, travel and other costs that the Red Cross might incur.

The Virgin Islands Community AIDS Resource center will receive $200,000 for the HIV Community based Prevention for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The budget period runs from July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004 and the funding will be used for salaries and wages, equipment, supplies, travel, contractual and other costs that the center may have.

The Helping Others in a Positive Environment program in St. John also received $150,000 for the HIV Community Based Prevention project. These funds will be used for wages and salaries, benefits, consultation costs, equipment, supplies and travel that are required to run the program.

For additional information contact the American Red Cross at Nisky Center, Suite 222, St. Thomas VI 00802. The Virgin Islands Community AIDS Resource center can be contacted at P.O. Box 223235, Christiansted, St. Croix, 00822. And the Helping Others in a Positive Environment group at P.O. Box 1676, St. John, VI 00831.