Business Wire - September 3, 2003
"Every year we strive to share the most relevant information with our members to better assist them on the front lines of the war against HIV and AIDS in our communities. We are proud to announce an important group of speakers and educators for this year's conference, whose words will impassion and challenge attendees to continue fighting this battle," said Paul Kawata, Executive Director, NMAC. "The wisdom they will share based on their varied achievements and struggles will enlighten and inspire their listeners. It is our expectation that the information attendees bring home will improve the services they offer their clients in communities of color around the U.S."
The four plenary sessions focus on relevant and pressing issues for communities of color battling the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Led by industry leaders in research, policy and education, these motivational presentations serve as the cornerstone of the conference in providing up-to-date and current perspectives on the crisis.
"HIV/AIDS Treatment and Research"
The opening plenary breakfast on Thursday, September 18, will commence with welcoming remarks from the Mayor of New Orleans, C. Ray Nagin. In addition, the plenary will feature Dr. David D. Ho, founding Scientific Director and CEO of the world-renowned biomedical research institute, The Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center. Dr. Ho has been the recipient of both the 1996 Time Man of the Year award and the 2001 Presidential Medal. Dr. Ho will provide a cutting-edge perspective on developments in HIV/AIDS research in recent years.
Also presenting is Dian Harrison, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Golden Gate (PPGG), one of the largest Planned Parenthood affiliates in the country. Ms. Harrison is the driving force behind PPGG's progressive HIV testing and counseling services. Ms. Harrison will speak to the impact and importance of microbicides as they relate to HIV/AIDS treatment and research.
"Emerging Issues in HIV Prevention"
Friday's plenary luncheon will focus on current issues related to HIV prevention. Dr. Julie Gerberding, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, will provide her perspective on the mounting struggle to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.
For communities of color, faith-based institutions are traditionally key in cultural education and awareness of timely issues. Discussing the role of these important groups in spreading the word about HIV prevention will be Reverend Edwin C. Sanders, Senior Servant and Founder of Metropolitan Interdenominational Church, whose congregation participates in outreach ministry programs designed to address problem areas in communities of color such as HIV/AIDS, sexual violence and substance abuse.
Providing the perspective of youth, men who have sex with men (MSMs), the Hispanic community, and HIV positive individuals in successful prevention programs will be Jose William Melendez, Community Mobilization and Technical Assistance Field Manager for Futuro Aqui, a division of the National Latina/o Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Organization (LLEGO).
"International Perspectives on HIV/AIDS"
As is the tradition at USCA, Saturday's foodless plenary will benefit international AIDS organizations. All monies that would have been spent on lunch will instead be donated to Beijing Aizhixing Institute of Health Education in China; The AIDS Service Organization (TASO) in Uganda; and Transformarte, a youth HIV prevention organization in Brazil. Peter Ssebbanja of TASO and Gabriela Pinheiro from Transformarte will accept the award on behalf of their respective organizations. Miss Universe 2003 Amelia Vega will present USCA's donations to the three organizations, which will be on hand to discuss their organizational missions and the impact of AIDS globally.
Miss Universe is a native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and is using her title to improve understanding and acceptance of HIV/AIDS and its prevention. Dr. Wan Yanhai, director of the Beijing Aizhixing Institute of Health Education, and recipient of one of the foodless plenary donations, will discuss the impact of AIDS in his home country of China. China has quickly been adapting its approach to AIDS in the face of recent startling statistics that predict 20 million people in China will be infected with the virus by the end of this decade. Dr. Yanhai's work focuses on children orphaned by AIDS-infected parents.
"Access to Care"
Sunday's closing plenary will be a panel discussion on the issues affecting access to HIV/AIDS care, moderated by Dr. Deborah L. Parham, associate administrator of the HIV/AIDS Bureau of Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). In her role at HRSA, Dr. Parham is responsible for the administration of nearly $2 billion for more than 700 programs authorized under the Ryan White CARE Act.
American Public Health Association Executive Director, Dr. Georges C. Benjamin, will discuss implications of the disease at the state level and its effects on public health nationally. Also providing a state perspective will be Dr. John Agwunobi, secretary of the Florida Department of Health.
Media Information
All media must be credentialed to attend the conference and should contact Mindy Crowe (mcrowe@brwlegrand.com) or Dave Beachley (dbeachley@brwlegrand.com) at 303-298-8470.
About National Minority AIDS Council
The National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC) was founded in 1987 to develop leadership within communities of color to address challenges of HIV/AIDS. NMAC has responded to the needs of communities of color by developing programs aimed at enhancing the skills necessary to confront this health crisis, including a public policy education program, national and regional training conferences, a treatment and research program and numerous publications. Today, NMAC is an association of AIDS service organizations providing valuable information to community-based organizations, hospitals, clinics and other groups assisting individuals and families affected by the AIDS epidemic.
CONTACT: National Minority AIDS Council
Carole Bernard, 202-483-6622, cbernard@nmac.org
or
Media Contact:
BRW LeGrand
Mindy Crowe, 303-298-8470, mcrowe@brwlegrand.com
Dave Beachley, 303-298-8470, dbeachley@brwlegrand.com
SOURCE: National Minority AIDS Council
030903
BW030901
Copyright © 2003 - Business Wire. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Business Wire, Permissions Desk, Business Wire, 1185 Avenue of the Americas, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036; Tel: (212) 575-8822; FAX: (212) 575-1854. http://www.businesswire.com.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2003. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2003. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .