| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
June 9, 2009
|
Media Contacts:
Krishna Stone, GMHC, 212-367-1016
Gay Men's Health Crisis to Receive $1.5 Million
in Federal Support;
Expresses Gratitude to New York Congressional Delegation
June 5, 2009, Washington, DC צ Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) today expresses gratitude to members of the New York City Congressional delegation who supported a federal appropriation for the agency. The House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies yesterday passed the fiscal year 2010 legislation and included $1.5million to support GMHC's work with youth. The appropriation was supported by Congressmen Nadler, Weiner, Rangel, Engel, Meeks, Towns, and Congresswoman Clark.
The federal appropriation will be dedicated to GMHC's work with youth of color, particularly young gay and bisexual men. Over the years, GMHC has executed successful HIV prevention programs for youth of color. This appropriation will allow GMHC to expand its work with this population by implementing a comprehensive workforce development program for youth of color.
"As we see increasing rates of HIV, especially among young men of color, GMHC recognizes that New York needs a bold plan to confront this challenge," said Francisco Roque, Associate Director of the Institute for Gay Men's Health at GMHC. "This is why we are proposing to expand our work with at-risk youth, making sure that those who are HIV-positive receive the treatment they need and those who are HIV-negative stay that way," added Roque.
The appropriation, if passed by the full House and Senate, will require President Obama's signature. The 2010 fiscal year begins October 1, 2010.
"GMHC is profoundly grateful to our Congressional Representatives for supporting this critical work," said Marjorie Hill, Chief Executive Officer of GMHC. "By providing an array of integrated services to our clients living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, GMHC transforms the lives of thousands of New Yorkers each year, allowing them to not only stay healthy but thrive as productive members of society. During these extremely tough economic times, we have seen a huge demand in all of our services. With substantial budget cuts at the city and state level, we are challenged in meeting the needs of our 15,000 (and growing) clients. Now, more than ever, we are relying on our Representatives in Washington, DC for providing financial assistance in our efforts, thus recognizing the importance of our work," added Hill.
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© 2009 Gay Men's Health Crisis |
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