GMHC Thanks City Council For Standing Up for People Living with HIV/AIDS

In the 31st year of the HIV epidemic, HIV/AIDS services faced the prospect of being drastically reduced or eliminated in the Mayor's Executive Budget. HIV/AIDS Services Administration (HASA) contracts were on the chopping block, but for the fourth year in a row the New York City Council took decisive action, stepped in and successfully negotiated to restore this critical funding.  This was no easy task considering the depth of cuts proposed to critical social services.  Supportive housing for people living with HIV/AIDS faced a $5.1 million cut, funding for Momentum's nutrition services for people living with HIV/AIDS and GMHC's Financial Management services were both slated to be eliminated.

"These restorations truly demonstrate New York City Council's unwavering commitment to people living with HIV/AIDS and ending the epidemic," said Marjorie J. Hill PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC). "On behalf of our clients who will greatly benefit from these restorations, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Speaker Christine Quinn and all of City Council.  I want to also thank the Councilmembers Annabel Palma and Maria del Carmen Arroyo and LGBT Caucus.  Their leadership and advocacy have made an incredible difference in the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS."

GMHC remains committed to working with New York City Council, as well as all of our elected officials in the ongoing fight to end AIDS.  HIV continues to be a real and growing problem in New York City and these services remain as critical as ever.   GMHC continues to strongly advocate for greater access to HIV prevention programs while expanding access to care and treatment services.  As we work towards the National HIV/AIDS Strategy goal of an "AIDS-Free Generation," NYC must remain a steadfast leader in this struggle.