For Immediate Release
October 3, 2006
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Media Contact:
GMHC: Noel Alicea
212.367.1216, Lynn Schulman 212.367.1210
M·A·C Cosmetics: Alison Greenberg, 212.965.6372
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M·A·C AIDS Fund Awards
Grant to GMHC to
Launch Initiative on HIV and Aging
Partnership with ACRIA, GRIOT and SAGE will
address needs of New Yorkers over 50
New York — Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) today announced
that M·A·C AIDS Fund has awarded the agency a major grant
in the amount of $500,000 to develop an initiative that will meet the
needs of people over the age of 50.
Men and women over 50 represent a largely invisible yet
growing segment of the number of people living with and affected
by HIV/AIDS. According to the New York City Department of Health
and Mental Hygiene, 30% of people living with HIV in New York are
age 50 and older. Moreover, nearly 33% of GMHC's current 15,000
clients are over age 50, as compared with 25% in 2003.
Joining GMHC in this initiative are three highly respected
community-based partners with broad experience working directly
with AIDS and aging. They are: the AIDS Community Research
Initiative of America (ACRIA), Gay Reunion In Our Time (GRIOT)
Circle, and Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE).
"As people with HIV/AIDS live longer and increased numbers
of older persons are becoming newly infected, our approach to
AIDS and aging must mature and evolve," said Marjorie J. Hill,
Ph.D., Interim Executive Director of GMHC. "This new funding
and collaborative effort will enable us to meet the expanding
needs of a significant and growing part of our community.
Twenty-five years into the AIDS epidemic, we know that new and
innovative approaches to fighting AIDS are necessary if we are
going to turn the tide and reduce HIV transmission. We are
grateful to the M·A·C AIDS Fund for their outstanding
support and commitment to providing resources for services that
have a meaningful impact on people living with and affected by
AIDS."
The goal of the new initiative will be to provide a range
of care services for older New Yorkers, with age-specific
programming to address their unique and often unmet needs regarding
HIV prevention, treatment adherence and aging.
"Over the past 25 years, GMHC has not only provided
life-saving and life-improving services to people infected
with HIV/AIDS, but has consistently paved new directions in
HIV care and prevention," according to Nancy Mahon, Executive
Director, M·A·C AIDS Fund. "The new HIV and
aging initiative addresses the important and growing needs
of people over 50 who are infected with HIV or at a high risk
of transmission."
"The M·A·C AIDS Fund applauds GMHC, SAGE,
ACRIA and GRIOT Circle for their tireless commitment to
community service and we proudly join them all in the fight
against HIV/AIDS," added John Demsey, Chairman, M·A·C
AIDS Fund; Global President, M·A·C Cosmetics.
The M·A·C AIDS Fund was established by M·A·C
Cosmetics, Inc. in 1994 to support men, women and children affected
by HIV/AIDS globally. Sales of M·A·CÅfs Viva Glam
lipstick and lipglass have generated over $70 million (USD) for
the M·A·C AIDS Fund, providing support for HIV
prevention, treatment, education and support for people living
with AIDS.
The
AIDS Community Research Initiative of America (ACRIA) is a non-profit community-based AIDS research and treatment
education center. In conjunction with recognized leaders in
AIDS research and treatment, primary-care providers, and people
living with HIV disease ACRIA: identifies scientifically promising
therapies for AIDS and HIV-related illness, designs and implements
studies on these interventions, and submits the findings for
publication; conducts research geared towards the further
understanding of HIV disease, treatment, and prevention; and
provides education about AIDS treatments and research to the
communities affected by HIV/AIDS.
Gay Reunion In Our Time (GRIOT) Circle's mission is to provide
a safe, affirming space for LGBT Elders of color, and to alleviate
their feelings of isolation and fear. GRIOT Circle offers quality
programs and services that preserve Elders' histories and traditions,
and reunites those parts of themselves that have been fragmented
by racism, sexism, ageism, and homophobia.
Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE) is a social
service and advocacy organization dedicated to meeting the unique
needs of the senior gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender
communities. It is committed to providing high quality, life
enriching programs and services in an intergenerational
environment that values age, gender, racial, religious, ethnic,
cultural and socioeconomic diversity. SAGE is further committed
to fostering a greater understanding of aging, to promoting
positive images of life in the later years, and to supporting
and advocating for the rights of senior gay, lesbian, bisexual
and transgender people in both the gay and straight communities.
Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported
and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the
fight against AIDS. Our mission is to reduce the spread of HIV disease,
help people with HIV maintain and improve their health and independence,
and keep the prevention, treatment and cure of HIV an urgent national
and local priority. In fulfilling this mission, we will remain true
to our heritage by fighting homophobia and affirming the individual
dignity of all gay men and lesbians.
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© 2006 Gay Men's Health Crisis
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