Hyacinth AIDS Foundation to Honor Local Leaders in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS and Celebrate 25 Years of Service to the HIV/AIDS Community

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., Nov. 4, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hyacinth AIDS Foundation, New Jersey's first and largest AIDS service organization serving over 15,000 people annually, announced today that it will recognize three local individuals for their tireless fight against HIV/AIDS in the local community at its 25th Anniversary Gala and Silent Auction, taking place November 13th.  

The Hyacinth AIDS Foundation will recognize Congressman Frank Pallone for helping secure over $1.5 billion in federal funds for the fight against AIDS; Douglas Michels, CEO, OraSure Technologies for making rapid HIV testing available and affordable to millions of people worldwide; and Laurence E. Ganges, Assistant Commissioner, Division of HIV/AIDS Services, New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services for working to assure that people living with HIV/AIDS in New Jersey are connected to care, know how to prevent transmission, and have access to medical and mental health care.

"I am truly pleased to recognize three leaders on the front lines of battling the HIV/AIDS epidemic within our community," said Jeri M. Thomas, President, Hyacinth AIDS Foundation. "We all know that HIV/AIDS is a global and national problem, but first and foremost it continues to be a local problem as New Jersey ranks 5th in the nation in HIV infection and 3rd in the proportion of women who are HIV positive. We are proud at the Hyacinth AIDS Foundation to have reached more than 15,000 New Jerseyans last year with life saving care, treatment, prevention education, testing and advocacy."

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), about 25 percent of the 1.1 Million HIV-positive in the U.S. do not know they are infected.  Approximately 56,300 people in the U.S. become infected with HIV each year.

The Hyacinth AIDS Foundation 25th Anniversary Gala will take place on Saturday, November 13, 2010 at 7:00pm at the Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick, NJ.  The black tie event will include cocktails, a silent auction, dinner and dancing to the Alan Quinn Orchestra.  To purchase tables, tickets, and advertising in the Gala Journal, contact Patrick Bocco, Director of Fundraising, at 732-246-0204 x256, or [email protected].

About Hyacinth AIDS Foundation

Hyacinth AIDS Foundation is New Jersey's first and largest AIDS service organization with six offices located throughout the State, serving over 15,000 people annually with direct care, treatment education and prevention. Hyacinth is the only organization in New Jersey with a dedicated public policy and community organizing staff dedicated to protect the rights and benefits of people living with HIV/AIDS in New Jersey.

SOURCE Hyacinth AIDS Foundation