Washington, D.C.--Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY) today praised the appointment of Humberto Cruz to the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA). The PACHA convened today for the first time during the Obama Administration. Mr. Cruz is the Director of the New York State AIDS Institute.

“Under Mr. Cruz’s direction, New York State has consistently and successfully reformed programs to be responsive to a changing epidemic, emerging needs and an evolving environment. My office worked directly with Mr. Cruz and his staff on reauthorization of the Ryan White Care Act. He will be a valuable member of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS,” said Rep. Engel, a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health.

In his position with the New York State AIDS Institute, Mr. Cruz provides oversight for the development, evaluation, and delivery of preventative programs; health care and support services the establishment of clinical standards for care; education of health providers and the public, and guidance for regional and statewide planning. He also serves as a member of the Executive Committee for the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors.

Rep. Engel added, “Many challenges lay ahead in the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic, of which, New York remains the epicenter. Mr. Cruz is a problem solver who brings planners, policymakers, clinicians, researchers and program directors together. I was proud to strongly support his nomination, and I am pleased that Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius named him to the board.”

Rep. Engel also congratulates two other New Yorkers appointed to PACHA. Calvin Butts III, pastor of one of the largest churches in Harlem, is president of the State University of New York at Old Westbury, and Chair of the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS. He has been instrumental in mobilizing the religious community to support AIDS assistance programs. Kevin Frost, Chief Executive Officer of The Foundation for AIDS Research, and previously worked as an inpatient care coordinator of the AIDS program at Bellevue Hospital. He has significantly contributed to TREAT Asia, a collaborative effort of 17 Asian nations in HIV/AIDS prevention, care and education.