Press Release
SMART Receives a Mayoral Proclamation for National Reproductive Health Awareness Day
NEW YORK, June 16, 2009 — Mayor Michael Bloomberg issued a special proclamation on June 16, 2009 declaring June 18 as National Reproductive Health Awareness Day, sponsored by Sisterhood Mobilized for AIDS Research and Treatment (SMART).
“Outreach, education and support are important tools in the fight against HIV and AIDS, and I commend SMART’s efforts in providing a safe haven for women and youths affected by the epidemic,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “Women now constitute a third of new AIDS cases, so this work is more important than ever.”
On June 18, 2009, SMART will be hosting its 11th annual SMART University Graduation commemorating its graduates at the New York Academy of Medicine. SMART serves high-risk heterosexual women and youth from New York City’s highest incidence areas. Over the last 11 years, the program has developed a client base that includes newly diagnosed and long-term survivors living with HIV/AIDS, mostly African-American and Latina women and youth of color. SMART’s priority is to serve all women and youth who are infected or affected by HIV/AIDS and seeks to: 1) create successful linkages to medical care or re-engage the out-of-care, 2) deliver culturally competent, evidence-based treatment education and prevention services, and 3) reduce the disparities, stigma and discrimination in access to prevention and care services that are experienced by women and youth of color.
* * *
Sisterhood Mobilized for AIDS Research and Treatment (SMART) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to empowering women and youth. Our mission is: (1) support and expand our synergistic programs for women and youth living with/affected by HIV/AIDS; (2) provide the necessary space for women and youth living with/affected by HIV/AIDS in New York City; and (3) create positive change in each of our participant’s lives so they may receive optimal treatment access and care. For more information, please visit www. smartuniversity.org and www.smartyouthnyc.org
