The National Minority AIDS Council was founded in 1987 to develop leadership within communities of color to address the challenges of HIV/AIDS. NMAC has responded to the needs of communities of color by developing programs aimed at enhancing the skills necessary to confront this health crisis, including a public policy education program, national and regional training conferences, a treatment research program and numerous publications.

CONFERENCES
NMAC provides in-depth training and conferences opportunities to AIDS service organizations across the country. Training and conference opportunities include programs such as the Community Planning Leadership Summit, The United States Conference on AIDS, the North American AIDS Treatment Action Forum and Regional training conferences.

PUBLIC POLICY
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 and to increase the participation of people of color in policy-making bodies. NMAC advocates to increase Federal resources directed at 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; and works in coalition with other national AIDS groups to promote the interests of people of color.

PUBLICATIONS
NMAC publishes a series of informative reference manuals, brochures and other communications tools.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
NMAC conducts 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.

TREATMENT EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND ADVOCACY
NMAC provides 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 goal is to involve more persons of color in these local treatment initiatives.

In addition, 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.