National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS, Inc. (NBLCA)
20 YEARS IN THE FIGHT
May 2008
In This Issue
C. Virginia Fields new President/CEO
Debra Fraser-Howze joins OraSure
Black Clergy Call
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Dear Friend,

As we enter the middle of our 20th year, we look back on the great progress we have made in the fight against HIV/AIDS, but much work remains to be done. We hope you will join us in continuing our work to insure that no American at risk for infection or living with HIV/AIDS is left without prevention, treatment and care services, and effective advocacy.
Fields National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS Taps C. Virginia Fields As New President/CEO

New York - The Board of Directors of the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS, Inc. (NBLCA) announced the appointment of C. Virginia Fields, the former two-term Manhattan Borough President, as the organization's new President/CEO. Fields succeeds Debra Fraser-Howze who recently accepted a senior private sector position. 

 

Ms. Fields, a social worker by profession and a former NBLCA commissioner, served two terms in the New York City Council.  Upon her election in 1989, she became the first African-American woman to serve in the Council from the Borough of Manhattan.  In 1997, she was elected to the first of two four-year terms as Manhattan Borough President becoming the second African-American woman elected to that office since the tenure of the late Constance Baker Motley in the mid-1960s.  In 2005, Ms. Fields became the first African-American woman to formally declare her candidacy for Mayor of the City of New York.  She currently serves as a member of the faculty of the Silver School of Social Work at New York University.

 

In a statement, The Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III, Chairman of the Board of the NBLCA and pastor of New York City's historic Abyssinian Baptist Church, said that "Ms. Fields brings a wealth of experience to her new position at the NBLCA.  I applaud this extraordinary public servant for her strong commitment to the mission and work of our organization and the fight against HIV/AIDS." 

 

Among her long list of accomplishments as Manhattan Borough President, Ms. Fields commissioned a major healthcare study to eliminate health disparities among communities of color.  She was the catalyst behind the creation and funding of Manhattan's first lead-safe housing for families whose children have suffered from the effects of severe lead poisoning.

 

"I am deeply honored to serve as President/CEO of the NBLCA, an organization that has been a major force in combating HIV/AIDS, other chronic diseases, and widening disparities in healthcare in Black America for over two decades," said Ms. Fields.  "I look forward to working with the NBLCA's Board and staff to continue to build upon the solid foundation laid by the Commission's Founder and President Emerita, Debra Fraser-Howze. With the alarming increase of HIV/AIDS within the African-American community, our efforts must be expanded through the initiation of a national policy and strategic funding. "

 

Ms. Fields' appointment as President/CEO became effective on February 4, 2008.  Fraser-Howze was recently named the Vice President for Government and External Affairs for OraSure Technologies, makers of oral fluid diagnostics for the detection of HIV and various drugs of abuse.

National Conference on Afican-Americans
 
February marked the 10th convening of the National Conference on African-Americans and AIDS in Philadelphia, PA. Held form February 25th through the 26th, this national forum is focused on informing medical specialist and care givers. Sponsored annually by the Minority Healthcare Communications, Inc. (MHCC),NBLCA's very own Beny J. Primm, MD, 1st Vice Chair of our Board of Directors, is Honorary Chair of MHCC's Board.
 
The objectives are to familiarize participants with the epidemiology of HIV in the United States, current guidelines and cutting edge clinical modalities for the management of HIV, current research encompassing drug abuse and its connection to the HIV epidemic, social and psychiatric concerns of the HIV infected patient, policy initiatives, trends and political issues which impact all HIV-infected patients. NBLCA, in its role as a primary sponsor of the conference, hosted a welcoming reception on the evening of Monday, Feb. 25. 
NBLCA's Annual NY Statewide Leadership Meeting
V & Upstate ChairsV & Dex

Friday, February 15, 2008

marked the convening of our annual New York Statewide Affiliate Leadership Meeting during the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Legislative Caucus Weekend. During our four hour session, we received policy, advocacy, and activity reports from our various affiliate Chairs and Vice Chairs, as well as legislative responses from the Hon. Calvin Lee, Monroe County Legislature; the Hon. Roger Corbin, Nassau County Legislature; the Hon. Antoine Thompson, NYS Senator (Buffalo); the Wanda Willingham, Albany County Legislature; the Hon. Van Robinson, Syracuse City Council; the Hon. Darryl Towns, Caucus Chair and a keynote address by New York City Councilman Al Vann. This was also the first official meeting were the New York State Affiliates were introduced to, and addressed by, our new President and CEO, Ms. C. Virginia Fields. Among the many issues raised during the meeting, focus was placed on the need for African American organizations to receive funding to fight HIV/AIDS in African American communities and the need for increased HIV/AIDS education in our states public schools. Ms. Divinah Bailey, Executive Director of  NY City Operations spoke on the many NBLCA initiatives that are being implemented in the City. Additionally, Ms. Deborah Levine, Vice President of Community Development, spoke on national initiatives in which the organization is engaged. The meeting was chaired by NBLCA's Director of New York State Affiliate Services, The Rev. Kahli C. Mootoo.
 

On Saturday, February 16th, Assemblyman Darryl C. Towns and NBLCA presented "Speak Up & Speak Out", a Town Hall Meeting about the State of HIV/AIDS in New York State. Panelists included Assemblyman Darryl C. Towns, C. Virginia Fields; Dr. Marjorie Hill, Gay Men's Health Crisis CEO; Dr. Dexter McKenzie, President of the Provident Clinical Society; The Rev. Robert Waterman, pastor of the Antioch Baptist Church; The Rev. Dr. James A. Lewis III, Chairman of BLCA of Buffalo; Claire Simon, Interim Executive Director of the Women's HIV Collaborative; The Honorable Roger Corbin, Member, Nassau County Legislature; and Tracie Gardner, Director of New York State Policy, the Legal Action Center and moderated by Divinah "Dee" Bailey. The event was attend by over 100 community members and leaders from across the state.

Debra Fraser-Howze to join OraSure Technologies as

Vice President, Government and External Affairs

 

OraSure Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: OSUR), the market leader in oral fluid diagnostics, is pleased to announce that Debra Fraser-Howze, current President/CEO of the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS (NBLCA), has been named Vice President, Government and External Affairs effective January 7, 2008.

 

Fraser-Howze will represent OraSure with government officials regarding the issues, policies, and laws impacting the Company's infectious disease and substance abuse testing businesses.  In addition, she will be responsible for developing relationships with key opinion leaders in the public and private sectors, trade associations, non-profit groups, and governmental staff groups and agencies to build support for OraSure's policy positions.

 

Fraser-Howze will report to Douglas M. Michels, OraSure's President and CEO and will be a member of the Company's executive committee.

 

"Debra brings an incredible depth of experience and leadership in community and public service to OraSure," said Michels.  "She will most definitely enhance our Company's ability to understand and address the critical issues facing the communities we serve in the fight against HIV/AIDS.  With her diverse talents and expertise, she will be a major contributor to the future success of our Company on several fronts."

 

"I am extremely excited about joining OraSure," said Fraser-Howze.  "Since the founding of NBLCA more than 20 years ago, OraSure has been a shining star in our fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS.  The advent of the Company's oral fluid rapid test technology has had a significant global impact on the epidemic."

 

Fraser-Howze has been widely recognized for more than two decades of global leadership to communities of color regarding teenage pregnancy, social welfare, and HIV and AIDS.  She advised two U.S. Presidents having served on the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS from 1995-2001.  She was the Vice Chair of the HIV Human Services Planning Council in New York City and Chaired the National Institute of Health's Public Education Technology Committee.  In 2003 she was appointed to the New York City Commission on AIDS.

 

"Debra and her organization NBLCA has been at the forefront in the fight against HIV/AIDS in our communities.  She is the quintessential leader and her legacy at NBLCA will live on for many years to come," said U.S. Congresswoman Donna M. Christensen, chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust of which Fraser-Howze is a member.  "It has been an honor to work side-by-side with Debra in our efforts to fight HIV/AIDS.  I look forward to our continued work together in her new capacity at OraSure, a company that clearly has demonstrated a strong commitment to the communities we serve."

 

Prior to her founding presidency at NBLCA, Fraser-Howze served as Director of Teenage Services at the New York Urban League.  She was also a Legislative Assistant to the Honorable Charles B. Rangel (D-NY), United States Member of Congress, while a National Urban League Fellow.

 

Fraser-Howze holds a B.A. in Interpersonal Communications from Hunter College and a Master's in Public Administration from Baruch College. She has relocated to Bethlehem, PA.

BLACK CLERGY CALL FOR AN END TO HIV/AIDS IN THE
AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY

conclave group

An assemblage of more than 150 of the nation's top African-American leaders convened in New York City for a historic National Conclave on HIV/AIDS Policy for Black Clergy, October 8-9, 2007 hosted by NBLCA and sponsored by Abbott.

 

This collective included congressional leaders, physicians, clinicians, and community activists, "spent two days creating a comprehensive, strategic, and measurable public policy and legislative action plan on HIV/AIDS that they will take to Congress, their state officials, and local legislative leadership," said Debra Fraser-Howze, President/CEO, NBLCA.

 

Chaired by The Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III and Co-Chaired by Bishop T. D. Jakes, the collective's HIV/AIDS Policy for Black Clergy mandates aggressive testing; the adoption of an ABC/D guideline behavioral model; and a call on congress and the administration to endorse and pass the National HIV/AIDS Elimination Act - which includes measurable goals, timetables, and specific objectives designed to eliminate the HIV/AIDS epidemic.  Following is their collective conclusive statement delivered by HIV/AIDS Policy for Black Clergy Chair, The Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III and Co-Chair, Bishop T.D. Jakes:

vip

In the spirit of our historic role of advancing prophetic social justice ministry, Black clergy are stepping forward to play a stronger leadership role in advocating for theologically sound HIV/AIDS public policy.  Working with the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS (NBLCA), we are determined to live up to the biblical mandate that calls us to be "the light of the world."  With faithfulness to this calling, we must compassionately embrace those who are infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS.  Through life affirming ministry, we are committed to caring for the physical, mental and spiritual needs of all people in our communities whose lives are being devastated by this insidious disease.

 

Just as African-American clergy fervently came together 50 years ago to fight for civil rights, we are banning together today to bring an end to HIV/AIDS and its potential to obliterate our community.  To combat this plague, which is claiming five to seven thousand lives per day worldwide and is destroying Black families and killing Black men and women at a disproportionate rate of genocidal magnitude:

 

-We will aggressively seek to have every person under the sphere of our influence tested for HIV in order to know their status.

 


-We will promote HIV/AIDS awareness to insure that all Black clergy serving in our denominations and other congregations are equipped to address issues related to this disease in a factual and scientifically sound manner.

 

-We will use the ABC/D model as a behavioral guideline for prevention initiatives: 

 

A ------Abstain;  B ------Be Faithful;  C ------Condom Usage; and,  D------Don't Engage In Risky Behavior.

work group

To ensure that we are jointly using our resources to influence and impact public policy, our proposed legislative action, the National HIV/AIDS Elimination Act, is as follows:

 

-The National Conclave on HIV/AIDS for Black Clergy calls upon the President, Congress and Corporate America to declare the HIV/AIDS crisis in the African-American community a "public health emergency." We call on the Secretary of Health and Human Services to use emergency authority to redirect resources to address this emergency.

 

-We believe the United States should develop a National AIDS Plan to address the treatment, care, prevention, research, and supportive service needs of Americans living with and at risk for HIV/AIDS.

 

-We believe that an integral component of any National AIDS Plan should be targeted legislation that specifically addresses the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS on the African-Americans.  Therefore, we call on Congress and the Administration to endorse and pass the National HIV/AIDS Elimination Act - legislation that will mobilize action across departments of government and coordinate programs and funding across the various agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services.  The Act will include measurable goals, timetables, and specific objectives designed to eliminate the HIV/AIDS epidemic.  As a part of the National AIDS Plan, the Elimination Act will highlight and address the key structural drivers of the AIDS epidemic like poverty, low-literacy, stigma, unemployment, incarceration, racial disparities, and other structural drivers of the epidemic in the United States.

 

-The Elimination Act will establish an Institute to document the historical treatment of African-Americans and its impact on the issues that have evolved and must be addressed.  All agencies of the government should be involved in making this a priority.

 

-We endorse HR 1943 Stop AIDS in Prison Act (sponsored by Congresswoman Maxine Waters [D-Los Angeles CA]) that requires routine HIV testing upon entry and exit, counseling and HIV/AIDS treatment for federal inmates when medically indicated and linkage to care upon discharge.

 

As we go forward from this historic gathering, we are determined to stand together in a renewed effort to realize the day when the "face of AIDS" will cease to be the faces of the Black community.

conclave tight

20th ANNIVERSARY GALA CELEBRATION
Awardees
 

On November 7, 2007, over 300 attended NBLCA's 20th Anniversary Gala Celebration for the presentation of the "Choose Life" Award at the Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers. The year, it was our great honor to work with Reginald Van Lee, our 2007 Dinner Chair and a Senior Vice President at Booz Allen Hamilton to insure the evening was a success.

Vann Lee
The 2007 Choose Life Award recipients included: Susan L. Taylor, Editorial Director of Essence Magazine; Rory Kennedy, Co-founder and co-president of Moxie Firecracker Films Inc.; Director, produce and actor, Bill Duke, founder of Duke Media; Robert A. Mosbacher, Jr., President & CEO of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC); OraSure Technologies accepted by President & CEO, Douglas A. Michels and Gilead Sciences accepted by President & CEO, John C. Martin, PhD.  A special award was presented to HIV/AIDS activist Hydeia Broadbent.
DFH & Taylor 
Maurice DuBois, CBS2, Lori Stokes, ABC7, Dana Tyler, CBS2 and David Ushery, NBC4 served as the presenters for the evening. Pamela J. Joyner and Alfred J. Giuffrida, along with Debra L. Lee, Chairman & CEO of BET Networks served as the dinner's vice chairs. The Honorary Chairs were The Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III, Chairman for NBLCA Board and Pastor at Abyssinian Baptist Church; Dennis deLeon, President of the Latino Commission on AIDS and the incomparable Miss Jennifer Holliday.  Miss Holliday entertained with a special performance of a few of her signature songs. 
Holliday

The sponsors for this event included:

President Circle - BET Networks; Booz Allen Hamilton; Gilead Sciences, Inc. and OraSure Technologies, Inc.
Benefactors - Pfizer, Inc - Office of Diversity and Inclusion and PhRMA, Inc.
Patrons - General Motors Foundation; Pamela J. Joyner and Alfred J. Giuffrida; and The Mosbacher Foundation
Sponsors - The Abyssinian Baptist Church; The Abyssinian Development Corporation; Gay Men's Health Crisis; Carla A. Harris; Latino Commission on AIDS; NBC4; Rev, Horace Sheffield and Trinity Biotech.
Thank you for embarking on our journey and we look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events. 
Sincerely,
 
National Black Leadership Commisssion on AIDS, Inc.
 
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