The National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC), established in 1987, is the premier US national organization dedicated to developing leadership within communities of color to address the challenges of HIV/AIDS.
NMAC’s Public Policy Division works to:
- promote sound national HIV/AIDS, health and social policies that are responsive to the needs of the diverse communities of color impacted by HIV/AIDS
- increase the participation of people of color in policy-making bodies
In terms of public policy, NMAC:
- advocates to increase Federal resources directed to addressing the epidemic among people of color
- sponsors regional policy and advocacy skills training and technical assistance sessions for people of color
- holds policy briefings on Capitol Hill
- produces policy briefs and newsletters
- works in coalition with other national AIDS groups to promote the interests of people of color
NMAC also provides technical assistance:
- conducting individual, on-site Community Based Organization (CBO) management and organizational needs assessments in order to support long-term organizational health of front-line AIDS service organizations
- based on these needs assessments, NMAC staff prepares strategic plans to support the long-term health of these agencies, focusing on management problems and corrective actions
NMAC’s treatment, education, training and advocacy work includes:
- training and direction to AIDS service organizations serving communities of color in the set-up and maintenance of treatment-related programs at the community service level
- NMAC’s prison initiative develops working partnerships and linkages with correctional associations, public health officials and community service providers for the purpose of promoting a national standard of care for the provision of HIV/AIDS services in correctional settings
NMAC also provides in-depth training and conferences and publishes a series of publications including newlsetters, manuals, brochures and other communications tools.