GMHC, the World's First AIDS organization, Brings Dynamic Contingent to the XIX International AIDS Conference

Click here for a full schedule of GMHC's participation.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Krishna Stone | 212.367.1016

New York, NY — In its 30th year, Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) will bring a dynamic contingent to present on a diverse range of critical topics at the International AIDS Conference in Washington, DC. This year's conference holds distinctive significance for the United States which was not able to be a host country for over 20 years due to the HIV travel and immigration ban, a policy that GMHC fought to overcome. In 2006 GMHC founded the Coalition to Lift the Bar and joined colleague HIV and LGBT organizations to push for repeal of the damaging policy. Congress first removed the ban legislatively in 2008 and the Obama Administration completed the regulatory process in January 2010.

"For many years, GMHC was a leader in the fight to lift the travel ban," said Marjorie J. Hill, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of GMHC. "Our steadfast coalition work is now seeing the fruits of our long labor. To be able to participate in this importance conference in the U.S. is truly historic. I am proud that we have such talented staff members who will share their wealth of experience with people all over the world."

GMHC will be participating in 11 events (click here for a full schedule), which includes co-organizing satellite sessions on care and research for black and Latino young men who have sex with men (MSM) , HIV and aging, and how social media helps AIDS service organizations; moderating a session on new science and the National HIV/AIDS Strategy; participating as a panelist on global LGBT leadership in the epidemic; presenting posters on the intersection of HIV and cancer, attitudes on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and MSM in NYC, HIV prevention and treatment in prisons, and HIV testing approaches for African American MSM; and providing an oral presentation on the international context of blood donation policies pertaining to MSM.

GMHC will have a booth in the Global Village featuring materials from award-winning social marketing campaigns, public policy reports and related information about agency programs/services. GMHC will also have two staff members attending, "Courage on the Frontlines: A White House Celebration of People Living with HIV/AIDS, the International AIDS Conference and Leadership against the Disease."

In addition, GMHC will be engaged with social media networks such as live tweeting, blogging and posting conference updates on Facebook-and more. GMHC is also a conference hub and will be live-streaming plenaries at its NYC offices for clients, volunteers, staff and supporters.

After the conference, GMHC will participate in an Institute on HIV/AIDS and Employment hosted by the U.S. Department of Labor and National Working Positive Coalition.

For more background on the U.S. travel and immigration ban, please see "Undermining Public Health and Human Rights: The United States HIV Travel and Immigration Ban."

Click here for a full schedule of GMHC's participation.

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About GMHC
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 men, women and families that are living with, or affected by, HIV/AIDS in New York City.  We advocate for scientific, evidence-based public health solutions for hundreds of thousands worldwide.