Dr. Alma Thornton is the director for the Center for Social Research at Southern University Baton Rouge.

She was recently awarded a three-year, $900,000 federal grant to assist in the prevention of HIV/AIDS and substance abuse.

The project’s goal is to provide “integrated substance abuse and HIV prevention programs to African-American college students.”

From Southern University Baton Rouge:

The Baton Rouge metropolitan area has been cited as having the highest number of new HIV diagnoses and rates. Dr. Cecil Duncan, in the Psychology Department, is the co-author and Co-Director of the HIV/AIDs Prevention Award. “Southern University HIV/AIDS and Substance Abuse Program represents an effort by the university to work within the community,” Thornton said.  “With our partners, we share resources, expertise and the common goal of improving our neighborhood.”

Read more at Southern University Baton Rouge

Researchers will conduct a community-based needs assessment on SU’s campus and surrounding areas to identify community resources, protective factors and gaps in service.

“I’m excited about this. I think it’s just awesome,” said Shirley Lolis, the executive director of Metro Health, a local agency partnering with Southern in the outreach program.

Congratulations to Dr. Alma Thornton and Southern University Baton Rouge on this great award.

Hopefully we can become one step closer to preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Thoughts on the award?

What’s the best way to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS?

Sound off below!