Date: Tue, 08 Apr 97 22:25:39 EST From: "NGLTF" Subject: TASK FORCE APPLAUDS APPOINTMENT OF THURMAN AS AIDS CZAR ********************************************************************* National Gay and Lesbian Task Force PRESS RELEASE Contact: Mark Johnson 202/332-6483 ext. 3314 mfjohnson@ngltf.org Pager 800/757-6476 2320 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 http://www.ngltf.org ngltf@ngltf.org ********************************************************************* TASK FORCE APPLAUDS APPOINTMENT OF THURMAN AS AIDS CZAR AND URGES STRONGER WHITE HOUSE ACTION TO CURB DISEASE Washington, DC---April 8, 1997----The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) commends the President's appointment of a Sandra L. Thurman as Director of the Office of National AIDS Policy. Her background demonstrates extensive experience in and knowledge of HIV/AIDS issues. NGLTF urgesThurman and the President to take decisive action now on a range of critical concerns. From 1988 to 1993, Thurman served as Executive Director of AID Atlanta, a community based organization providing health and support services to people with HIV/AIDS, including HIV prevention programs. She is currently a member of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS and of the Georgia State AIDS Task Force, the Fulton County HIV Planning Council and the Executive Committee of Cities Advocating Emergency AIDS Relief (CAEAR). "We applaud the President's appointment of someone who is clearly experienced and knowledgeable on HIV/AIDS issues to be the new Director of the Office of National AIDS Policy," said Kerry Lobel, Executive Director of NGLTF. "The Task Force calls upon Thurman and the Administration to work with Congress to lift the ban on the use of federal funds for needle exchange programs, oppose H.R. 1062, the regressive legislation introduced by Rep. Coburn, R-OK, that would, among other things require states to adopt mandatory HIV testing laws - even the National Governors' Association has declared its opposition to this legislation, and work for full funding for AIDS research, prevention, health care and housing initiatives," she announced. "We also urge Thurman and the President to continue to oppose cuts or other changes to Medicaid--such as imposing a cap on federal payments per beneficiary--which would eliminate access to health care for the poor, including people with HIV and AIDS," added Lobel. According to Lobel, "this appointment is but one step in the process toward a bold and effective national AIDS strategy. We look forward to working with the new director and the Administration towards that end." The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is the oldest national gay and lesbian group and is a progressive organization that has supported grassroots organizing and pioneered in national advocacy since 1973. Since its inception, NGLTF has been at the forefront of virtually every major initiative for lesbian and gay rights. In all its efforts, NGLTF helps to strengthen the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender movement at the state level while connecting these activities to a national vision for change. -30- _________________________________________ This message was issued by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Media Department. If you have any questions regarding this post, please direct them to one of the contacts at the top of this message If you wish to UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, please send an email with "UNSUBSCRIBE PRESSLIST" in the subject and body of your email message to .