The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) awarded the Michigan Department of Community Health $105,441 for activities to enhance prevention services for men who have sex with men (MSM).

The one-year award will be used to strengthen Michigan's HIV prevention efforts targeted to MSM through the development and subsequent implementation of a population-specific strategic plan for HIV prevention. The proposed project will achieve this goal through implementation of highly targeted needs assessment activities, development of strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, and development of an evidence-based strategic plan for HIV prevention focused on MSM, with an emphasis on African American MSM.

The funding is particularly important given the impact of HIV on MSM in Michigan. MSM, including those who also inject drugs, account for more than half (52%) of all reported infected persons in Michigan. Between 2002 and 2006, the number of new diagnoses among MSM increased by an average of 4% per year. MDCH estimates there are approximately 9,320 MSM living with HIV disease in Michigan, including 820 who also inject drugs.

Experts in HIV/AIDS, STD and health disparities will be meeting Nov. 6-7 at the Ann Arbor Marriott, Ypsilanti to discuss current trends on this and other related issues. For more information, please visit http://www.mihivnews.com/std_hiv_conference_2008.htm.