Poor communities in the southern region of the DR are to receive aid from the US government through the 2006 New Horizons Joint Humanitarian Program. Diario Libre reports the official announcement will be made today during a public function at Hotel Jaragua. The first operation will take place in the province of Barahona with the participation of ambassador Hans Hertell, the Ministry of Public Health, the Provincial Governor’s Department, and representatives of the US Southern Command and the Dominican Armed Forces.