Five community-based programs that seek to prevent addiction and HIV/AIDS in at-risk, traditionally underserved populations have been awarded a total of $8.2 million in grants by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

The grants, awarded for up to five years and for an annual maximum of $329,666, will fund programs as part of SAMHSA's Strategic Prevention Framework. Traditionally underserved communities are defined as African-American, Latino, and other populations residing in geographic areas with high rates of alcohol and other drug abuse and HIV prevalence. 

"Substance abuse and HIV/AIDS are often interrelated problems and must be addressed in comprehensive ways," said SAMHSA acting administrator Eric Broderick. "These grants will help communities pursue more effective approaches for reaching out to people at risk and providing those in need with appropriate health services." 

The grantees were  AIDS Services of Austin Inc., Austin, Tex.; Comprehensive AIDS Program of Palm Beach, Fla.; Johns Hopkins University; Damien Center Inc., of Indianapolis , Ind.; and California Recovery Clinics in Corona, Calif.