Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $2,500,000 in federal funding over five years for Serving Children and Adults in Need (SCAN) Inc. The funds will be used for SCAN’s Healthy Border Initiative Project, which will provide behavioral care to 500 individuals in Webb County. The population focus is on Hispanic females and males 18 years of age and older at high risk for HIV/Hepatitis infection who meet the criteria for a substance use disorder (SUD) or co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders (CODs).

“HIV/AIDS continues to have a devastating impact on populations across the United States, including South Texas,” said Congressman Cuellar. “This federal investment will be used to support and treat individuals living with HIV/AIDS and help improve their quality of life. As a member on the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fund programs that provide services that support people living with HIV/AIDS and encourage their engagement in treatment and care. I want to thank SCAN, Inc. President and CEO Isela Dabdoub, Executive Vice President Luis Flores, Program Director Gabriela Perez as well as all their hardworking staff for providing compassionate care for our community.” 

“The grant funds will increase SCAN’s capacity to engage in care individuals who are at high risk for HIV or Hepatitis and have also problems with the use of substances or have substance use and mental health needs,” Flores said. “Services include individual and group counseling, HIV and Hepatitis testing, case management, linkages to medical treatment and follow up. The project will provide state-of-the- art counseling interventions to 500 individuals during the 5-year period,”  

SAMHSA’s Minority Aids Initiative – High Risk Populations Grant Program

These funds were awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). SCAN has received $2.5 million over five years in federal funds through SAMHSA’s Minority Aids Initiative – High Risk Populations grant program. The purpose of this program is to increase care for racial and ethnic minority individuals with substance use disorders and mental disorders who are at risk for HIV or are HIV positive. According to the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention, Hispanic/Latinos accounted for 26 percent of all new HIV diagnoses in 2017. This grant program ensures that communities have the resources they need to aid and service at risk populations and those living with HIV. 

SCAN’s Healthy Border Initiative Project Specifics

The grant funds will be utilized to create the Healthy Border Initiative Project in Webb County, Texas. The program will focus on Hispanic females and males 18 years of age and older who are at high risk for HIV/Hepatitis infection while also struggling with a substance use disorder (SUD) and/or mental health disorders. The project will provide behavioral care to a total of 500 clients over the life of the project (100 participants per year). In addition, a total of 1,250 high-risk individuals (250 per year) and their partners will be tested for HIV and hepatitis.

The services provided by SCAN through the Healthy Border Initiative will directly impact the area and will address concerns of rising HIV rates about Hispanic/Latino Populations. This program will establish a well-rounded approach that will focus on substance use, gender, sexual orientation, mental health, traumatic stress, HIV/hepatitis, and the recovery needs of participants. It will also address the diverse behavioral needs of the population, focusing on language and culture.