FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 26, 2008 |
Contact:
Krishna Stone, GMHC, 212.367.1016
|
Gay Men's Health Crisis Commemorates 20th year
of World AIDS Day
Announces "HIV/AIDS Volunteer Awareness Day" in Honor of "Back to the Local Community"
New York, NY, Wednesday, November 26 — In recognition of December 1, GMHC is proud to announce World AIDS Day as a dedicated "HIV/AIDS Volunteer Awareness Day" that reflects on the state of the domestic HIV/AIDS epidemic, President-Elect Obama's commitment to a National AIDS Strategy, and role of volunteering in the AIDS movement.
Most recently, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimated a 40% increase of new HIV infections in 2006, with fifty-three percent of new cases among men who have sex with men and forty-five percent among African Americans. Subsequently, New York City's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene released a report which suggested the rates of HIV infections among New Yorkers are three times higher than national rates. This report clearly indicates the need for more local involvement and from the city government to work closely with community-based organizations, and for increased funding for HIV/AIDS programs. GMHC reinforces its commitment to a local response by continuing to provide prevention, care and treatment services to those populations most impacted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
The momentum for donating time continues to grow as well as the goodwill of volunteers due to the economic downturn. According to the latest report from the Corporation for National and Community Service, about 61 million Americans volunteered in their communities in 2007 giving 8.1 billion hours of service worth more than $158 billion to United States' communities.
"The re-emergence of volunteerism is becoming an increasingly important component of sustainable social responsibility and cause-related marketing initiatives by organizations including participation from their employees," said Samantha Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Managing Director of Social Responsibility, Gay Men Health Crisis.
On a national level, the budget cuts to HIV/AIDS programs and new estimates of HIV infections underscores the need for a National AIDS Strategy. GMHC, along with its community partners, are working with President-Elect Obama's transition team to develop a response to HIV/AIDS. Individuals and organizations can show their support by visiting - www.NationalAIDSstrategy.org.
In recognition of GMHC's longstanding history of collaborative partnerships and commitment to the community, GMHC and its Chief Executive Officer, Marjorie J. Hill, Ph.D., are proud to be honored by three organizations during World AIDS Day week including Black AIDS Institute, St. Vincent's Hospital (150th Anniversary) and the Stonewall Foundation.
Event Schedule:
GMHC is commemorating World AIDS Day by hosting several community events starting on November 30 through to December 5. Click here for a detailed schedule of events.
Volunteer Opportunities:
GMHC is calling on New Yorkers, businesses, employees and government officials to participate in a number of volunteer programs to help people impacted by HIV/AIDS. Opportunities include volunteering in the meals, nutrition, wellness & workforce program, legal services, and women's care, prevention & support services. Click here for further information about volunteering opportunities.
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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. We provide prevention and care services to more than 15,000 men, women and families that are living with, or affected by, HIV/AIDS in New York City, and advocate for scientific, evidence-based public health solutions for hundreds of thousands worldwide.
Our Mission: GMHC fights to end the AIDS epidemic and uplift the lives of all affected.
© 2008 Gay Men's Health Crisis
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