FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, August 29, 2006 |
CONTACT:
HRSA PRESS OFFICE
301-443-3376 |
HRSA Recognizes Seven Outstanding HIV/AIDS Care Providers
at National Conference
HHS’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has recognized
seven individuals for their exceptional contributions to caring for
medically underserved Americans living with HIV/AIDS.
The awardees – who represent organizations funded under the Ryan
White CARE Act – were honored at the fourth biennial CARE Act Training
and Technical Assistance Grantee Conference held on August 28-31 at
the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, D.C. The conference was
attended by more than 2,300 CARE Act grantees and representatives of
public and private organizations.
“These honorees are on the front lines of care every day, making
a profound difference in the lives of thousands who live with HIV/AIDS,”
said HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt. “They serve in our largest cities
and our remotest areas, and provide a critical lifeline to HIV/AIDS
care.”
The awards and winners are:
- Associate Administrator’s Award
Kristen Ries, M.D., clinical director of the University of Utah
Hospital's Infectious Diseases/HIV Clinics and co-director of the
Utah AIDS Education and Training Center, Salt Lake City.
For “raising the bar” for HIV care in Utah by directly providing
HIV primary health care, supervising and training other clinicians,
designing and leading quality management initiatives, and being a
strong patient advocate for all individuals living with HIV.
- Hank Carde Award for Metropolitan Services
Michelle Long, M.H.A., director, HIV Health Services, San Francisco.
For her leadership in adapting San Francisco’s HIV/AIDS service
system to the needs of a changing epidemic, and for her years of dedicated
service.
- Dr. Nicholas Rango Award for State Services
Victor J. Fox, manager, State of Oregon HIV Client Services Program,
Portland.
For his vision and leadership in creating the statewide Oregon HIV
Coalition and HIV Care and Treatment Program, and for improving access
to care and medications for low-income people living with HIV.
- Gabe Kruks Memorial HIV/AIDS Service Award
Helena Akua Kwakwa M.D., M.P.H., clinical director for HIV Services,
Philadelphia Department of Public Health.
For her commitment to providing access to high-quality HIV primary
health care for Philadelphia residents and for her strong voice in
on-going discussions of human rights and the HIV needs of consumers.
- Rebecca Denison Award for Family Care Services
Mobeen Rathore, M.D., director, Rainbow Center, University of Florida,
Jacksonville.
For his commitment to research, providing high-quality HIV primary
health care, and being a champion of coordinated, comprehensive and
family-focused care to ensure better health outcomes for individuals
and families affected by HIV/AIDS.
- Russell E. Brady Award for Innovative Services Delivery
Michael A. Kaiser, M.D., associate chief medical officer, Louisiana
State University Public Hospital System, New Orleans.
For his work as Principal Investigator of the Special Projects of
National Significance Information Technology Initiative and for his
coordination of care for patients impacted in Louisiana by Hurricanes
Katrina and Rita.
- AIDS Education and Training Centers Award
Thomas J. Donohoe, M.B.A., director, University of California,
Los Angeles, Local Performance Site of the Pacific AIDS Education
and Training Center (AETC).
For leading AETC collaboration efforts along the Border, resulting
in the formation of the U.S.-Mexico Border Area Steering Team for
the AETC program.
The honorees accepted their awards at a special conference-wide ceremony
on Tuesday, August 29.
Since fiscal year 2001, the Bush administration has spent more than
$10.4 billion in total CARE Act funding to help more than 500,000 individuals
access life-sustaining care and services each year. President Bush has
requested nearly $2.2 billion in fiscal year 2007, an increase of $95
million over FY 2006.
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