(West Islip, NY) – On April 4, Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center hosted a free wellness symposium, “A Healthy Serving of Knowledge,” offered through its Good Sam University Free Community Lecture Series, at Captain Bill’s Restaurant in Bay Shore. Two hundred guests attended their choice of workshops which offered such information as stress management practices and how to read food labels. Participants uncovered the truth about diet foods and weight-loss plans including a discussion on surgical options for weight loss.

The program included presentations on the concepts of bioindividuality and the importance of creating a personalized diet plan by Chef Keith DiLauro (pictured on left), a graduate of the French Culinary Institution in New York City, and WCBS-TV health reporter Katie McGee (pictured on right). The program concluded with a cooking demonstration and tasting of Chef Keith’s delicious and healthy fare of seasonal, local, fresh and organic foods.

For more information on community lectures, call (631) 376-4444 or visit www.good-samaritan-hospital.org.

Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center is a 537-bed (including 100 nursing home beds), voluntary, not-for-profit hospital located in West Islip.  The medical center, which has more than 3,775 employees and 900 physicians on staff, had nearly 28,000 patient admissions and nearly 100,000 emergency department visits in 2012.  Good Samaritan is a member of Catholic Health Services of Long Island. Visit the website at www.good-samaritan-hospital.org.

Good Samaritan provided more than $43 million in community service and charity care in 2011.  The medical center supplies residents with the tools necessary to maintain good health.  This includes community lectures, screenings, health fairs and other community programs and services.

(Long Island, NY) Monday, April 15 is the filing deadline for New York State and federal personal income taxes. Here are some filing tips to keep in mind.

Always file – And do so on time to avoid penalties and interest for late filing. If you owe taxes and you can’t pay in full, still file by the deadline – the penalties are much higher for late filing than late payment. File for an extension before the deadline if you can’t file timely.

Get credit – Income tax credits can increase your refund or reduce the taxes you owe. We have helpful videos where you can learn more about the Child and Dependent Care Credit, Earned Income Credit, and many more.

E-file  – Electronic filing is fast, easy, and secure. And you’ll receive your refund faster. More than 85 percent of New Yorkers e-file – you should too.

File for Free:

• Income under $57,000? – Free File your state and federal returns from your own computer only at www.tax.ny.gov
• Income under $51,000? – Certified and trained volunteers will prepare both of your returns for free – find a site near you by visiting the IRS website or calling 1-800-906-9887

Choose direct deposit or debit card for your refund! – They’re both faster and safer than a paper check. More than 70% of refunds have been delivered via direct deposit or debit card this year. Learn more about the refund debit card.

Avoid these common filing errors:

• Incorrect or missing social security numbers – Social security numbers for all individuals must be listed correctly on your return
• No signature or date on your return – For joint returns, the signatures of both spouses must be included
• No stamp on your envelope – An unstamped envelope won’t be postmarked

Coming next year – Family Tax Relief Credit! – New legislation signed by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo cuts taxes for many middle class families by $1.23 billion over three years. Families with incomes between $40,000 and $300,000 will be eligible to receive the new credit of $350 per year, beginning in 2014.

Also see

• Governor Cuomo Encourages New Yorkers to Use Free Tax Assistance at Over 400 Statewide Locations
• Consumer Alert: NYS Taxpayer Advocate Reminds Millions of New Yorkers to File Their Taxes for Free

(Greenvale, NY) – Elizabeth Petrakis made national headlines when she succeeded in having her prenuptial agreement overturned—a groundbreaking decision that will impact future divorce cases. On April 8th, she will discuss the landmark ruling – and the company she founded to help to help other men and women empower and protect themselves before, during and after a divorce–on ABC’s The View.

“I truly believe that knowledge is power, particularly when it comes to arming yourself with information and facts surrounding divorce,” says Petrakis. “Divorce Prep Experts provides people with access to experts and information that can help them plan ahead and make the right decisions when it comes to divorce.”

Elizabeth Petrakis, who made national headlines when she succeeded in having her prenuptial agreement overturned.

As a survivor of the arduous and confusing process of divorce, Petrakis brings a personal approach to the company and its mission. A single mother of three school-aged children, she represented herself (Pro-Se) to argue her case before Nassau County’s Supreme Court Justice. Her pre-nup victory was featured on the front cover of the New York Law Journal in 2011. In February, 2013, in what lawyers have called a landmark ruling, a New York appeals court upheld the judge’s decision to void the prenuptial agreement that Petrakis had been fraudulently induced into signing days before her 1998 wedding, with false promises that the document would be ripped up once the couple had children. This case and the groundbreaking ruling is believed by many to be precedent-setting, and is expected to have major implications on future divorce cases.

Petrakis’ Divorce Prep Experts’ is known for 3-hour informational seminars which give attendees access to a panel of experts covering all areas of divorce. Experts presenting at the next seminar on April 24th at The Maguire Theatre at SUNY Old Westbury. Experts presenting at the seminar include a former judge (Judge Dana Mitchell Jaffe), a divorce attorney and mediator (Vikki S Ziegler Payne, author of The Pre-Marital Planner), a financial advisor, a divorce mediator, a child psychologist, a family therapist, an insurance specialist, a life coach, a forensic accountant, a private investigator and Dennis D’Antonio, Petrakis’s trial counsel. Divorce Prep Experts will be giving 100 seats to local charities—a quarter of the Maguire Theatre’s capacity – to ensure that men and women with financial constraints will have access to the information that can help them navigate divorce.

Divorce Prep Experts is a New York benefit corporation. Divorce Prep Experts is a New York benefit corporation. Benefit Corporations are a new class of corporation that creates a material positive impact on society and the environment; expands fiduciary duty to require consideration of non-financial interests when making decisions; and reports on its overall social and environmental performance using recognized third party standards. DPE’s next seminar is on April 24 from 7p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Maguire Theatre at SUNY Old Westbury College, 213 Store Hill Road (Route 107 North) in Old Westbury. Seating for this event is limited – To register, visit www.divorceprepexperts.com or call 1-800-377-0067 for more information.

(Glen Cove, NY) – The Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County recognized a Southampton High School Senior who has been a human rights activist since 10th grade.

During his sophomore year, Charlie Margaritis learned of gross human rights violations during the ongoing war in Uganda. In that conflict, tens of thousands of children were abducted, enslaved or murdered. He could not remain a bystander. He chose another path – to become an Upstander. He educated his peers about the conflict and reached out to “Invisible Children” in San Diego. He decided to organize a school-wide assembly at which the representative of “Invisible Children” spoke about the crisis in Uganda. A Southampton High School Chapter of Invisible Children grew out of the assembly, spearheaded by Charlie who remains its President. He also founded and is President of Key Club International at his school.

Charlie has widened the scope of his activism to try not only to help the children of Uganda, but to stop the war altogether. He lobbied Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, to keep military advisors in Central Africa. He joined MoveDC last November in Washington, DC to raise awareness about Uganda and to support the President’s ground-breaking legislation identifying Joseph Kony as a war criminal. In addition, last summer, Charlie attended a peace and leadership conference titled “Fourth Estate.”

“Charlie’s activism is an example to us all of how we can effect change from wherever we currently stand,” said Dr. Sarah Cushman, Director of Youth Programs.

Each month the Center accepts nominations from teachers, civic leaders, family and friends of a Long Island youth that has implemented the Center’s mission by advocating respect for all people. The student’s action as an Upstander could be one of intervention or prevention. To nominate a student for “Upstander of the Month” or learn more, email Dr. Cushman at sarahcushman@holocaust-nassau.org or call 516-571-8040 ext. 106.

About the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County
The Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County is the pre-eminent Holocaust resource on Long Island, with a contemporary museum and is one of the largest and most comprehensive education program providers in the region. Since 2007, nearly 210,000 students, educators, employers and law enforcement personnel have participated in the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center’s education programs.

Under construction and scheduled to open in late 2013, the Claire Friedlander Education Institute will accommodate four classrooms with state-of-the-art audio-visual aids and cutting edge technical equipment for specialized Holocaust video-conferencing programs and a wide variety of workshops for youth and adults.

With the Louis Posner Memorial Library, the Center offers over 7,000 volumes of Holocaust, genocide, multicultural, anti-bias and anti-bullying material for youth and adults, from Kindergarten through post-graduate researchers. It is the largest such collection on Long Island. Additional information is available online at www.holocaust-nassau.org.

For more information about this release and the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County, please contact:

Contact: Jennifer Carpenter Low
Cell Phone: (516) 658-3249
Email: jenniferlow@holocaust-nassau.org

Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County
Welwyn Preserve, 100 Crescent Beach Road
Glen Cove, New York 11542
(516) 571-8040 x107
Fax (516) 571-8041
www.holocaust-nassau.org

Staples Helping to Celebrate America’s Top Mom-Owned Businesses and The Women Behind Them

(Franklin Square, NY) The number of mom-owned businesses is growing, powering various aspects of our economy. The way these moms take care of their families while also running thriving businesses is inspiring. To that end, StartupNation is conducting its fifth annual ranking of these astonishing entrepreneurs and the businesses they run with the 2013 StartUpNation “Leading Moms In Business” Competition and Long Island’s own Hands In Harmony Inc which is run by Franklin Square’s Danielle Zanghi Brogna, is one of the nominees at http://www.startupnation.com/leading-moms-in-business/contestant/12853/index.php

Hands In Harmony Inc. and Harmony TV are dedicated to holistic health education, Reiki, Meditation, Young Living Essential Oils and Original Music. Danielle’s mission is to inspire everyone to live a healthy, happy and balanced life. She teaches others to live a life of wellness, purpose and abundance.

Danielle is a mother of 3 beautiful children and was inspired during a family health crisis to take control of her family’s health. That was the moment she decided to share everything she was learning along the way and created her holistic health blog. Working part time from home she has created a holistic community of more than 5,000 people on Facebook in less than a year! Danielle loves her private practice and clients, as well as her role as a public speaker teaching local classes and workshops. This year she has expanded her reach through social media and uses webinars, tele calls, Skype and videos to train people all over the world!

How will StartUpNation know who’s the best of the best? They’ve left that in part to the public. Daily votes will help determine the top 10 Leading Moms in Business. From this select group, their panel of judges will determine the ranking of the top three.

Prizes include $10,000 for the #1 winner of the competition (provided by office products leader Staples)! The top three winners will each receive a 1-2 hour complimentary workplace design consultation from Business Interiors by Staples® and $1,000 towards your office improvement efforts. The top three winners will also win a complimentary business growth consultation by StartupNation founders Jeff and Rich Sloan, valued at $2,000.

You can vote every day until April 30, 2013 at 5:00 pm EST. Winners will be announced On May 8, 2013. Additionally, on the voting page you can sign up for daily reminders to vote.

Vote for Danielle Brogna here: http://www.startupnation.com/leading-moms-in-business/contestant/12853/index.php

Danielle Brogna is a Certified Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki Master Teacher, Raindrop Practitioner, member of the Long Island Reiki Connection as well as the (IARP) International Association of Reiki Professionals. Danielle is a proud Professional Member of AIRASE “The Association for the International Research of Aromatic Science and Education” and the Hands On-Trade Association. Danielle is also a Young Living Essential Oil Educator, Health and Wellness Practitioner, Professional Singer/Voiceover Artist and Graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts BFA (Drama & Music). She brings a unique twist to all her videos, classes and private sessions by integrating her musical talents. She is dedicated to harmonizing your body, mind and soul. Currently Danielle is studying Reiki Drumming, The Vibrational Raindrop Technique and Recording Original Music in the studio for Meditation and Healing to be released 2014!

For more information about Hands In Harmony, visit http://www.handsinharmonyinc.com or call 1-800-903-5932

(Port Jefferson, NY) In celebration of our rich maritime heritage, the Incorporated Village of Port Jefferson in partnership with the NY Marine Trade Association, presents the 2nd Annual PJ Boater’s Maritime Festival May 4-5, 2013

An exciting festival will take place throughout the Village to showcase the Port Jefferson Harbor, one of the most popular harbors on Long Island. Boaters appreciate the prime location with easy access, deep draft and local shops, restaurants and entertainment just a short walk from the marina docks. This two day festival will showcase over 50 boats on display and FREE open demos for kayaks, inflatables and paddle boards.

A new partner joining the festival is the Long Island Outdoor Communicator’s Network, an organization comprised of forty-five Long Island outdoor journalists, book authors, photographers, artists and videographers. Over a dozen groups will present both a photography exhibition and educational seminars with a theme that focuses on areas of maritime and outdoor recreation, to include flora, fauna, marine subjects and outdoor activities around Long Island. Also, new this year is a food court comprised of a dozen local eateries, the Greater Port Jefferson Northern Brookhaven Arts Council art classes on the harbor and the arrival of the 1906, historic 75′ Mary E. schooner.

Some of the various organizations and activities taking place include:

• PJ BOAT SHOW in town lot including over 50 boats on display
• Historic 75′ 1906 Mary E. schooner
• FREE open demos kayaks, inflatables and paddle boards
• Stony Brook and SENY New League Sailing Demos
• Harbor Cruises
• LI Outdoor Communicator’s Network – fishing and outdoor seminars, scuba, birds of prey, waterdog and retrieving demos and photography
• LI Seaport and Eco Center – Bayle’s boat shop boat building and touch tank
• Setauket Yacht Club vessels on display
• Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce clam shucking and eating contest
• Pirate shows and treasure hunts
• Art and photo exhibits
• Greater Port Jefferson Northern Brookhaven Arts Council art classes on the harbor
• Food court
• LIVE entertainment
• Law enforcement boats on display: PJ Fire Dept., Coast Guard Auxillary, Patrol Boat, U.S. Power Squadron, and So. Co. Police
• Children’s Activities – PJ Free Library
• Maritime Explorium museum activities
• Long Island Maritime Museum
• LI Aquarium and Exhib. Center
• Riverhead Foundation
• Maritime vendors in lobby of Village Center
• Shop and restaurant specials

(Long Island, NY) “I’m pleased to announce that the saltwater fishing license fee is no more,” said Senator Kemp Hannon (R-Nassau). “Enacted over my strenuous objections in 2009, I fought for its removal, and now it is gone.”

The saltwater fishing license fee had been enacted in the 2009 State budget, which Hannon had voted against. It was enacted to bring additional money into the State’s coffers and had been strongly opposed by most local residents.

“For many Long Islanders, fishing is a fun, recreational activity. But for others, it’s a way of life and a livelihood,” said Hannon. “Putting a fee, essentially a hidden tax, on this activity was counterproductive and unfair. I’m glad to see we’ve finally been able to have it completely eliminated.”

Several towns in Nassau and Suffolk had sued the state after the fee was imposed in 2009, and the state was forced to issue more than $1 million in refunds to recreational fishers and charter boat operators who had paid the fee. In 2011-12, Hannon fought to impose a moratorium on the fee, and this year it was completely abolished.

“There are already many restrictions placed on those who want to fish in our waters, and we need to make sure that anyone who wants to fish does so legally,” said Hannon. “With laws on the books requiring anglers to following fish sizes, the number of fish that can be taken, and the types of fish that can be caught, this fee was another burden on those who want to fish, whether for recreation or for their livelihood.”

Patrice Donely Jr., 25, forced victim into his car at gunpoint

(Long Island, NY) A Hollis, Queens resident was taken into custody this weekend after kidnapping his estranged ex-girlfriend at gunpoint, according to the Nassau County Police Department.

Patrice Donely Jr., 25, confronted his 27 year-old ex at 1:30 a.m. Friday while she was standing across from the Hempstead Bus Terminal. He brandished a firearm and ordered her to get into his car at gunpoint, authorities said.

Donely proceeded to drive himself and the victim to Queens, where he forced her from the vehicle and into a parking garage. There, Donely threatened to murder the victim and then himself he she didn’t agree to reconcile their relationship, police said.

The victim, under duress, agreed to restore their relationship, after which Donely drove her back to her residence in Hempstead. After dropping her off, he later phoned the victim from a Jiffy Lube located at 232 Jericho Turnpike in Mineola at about 1:54 p.m., cops said.

Nassau Third Squad detectives, who had been informed of the kidnapping by the victim, arrived at the Jiffy Lube at 3:30 p.m. and placed Donely under arrest, according to reports.

The victim had an active order of protection against Donely at the time of the incident.

Donely was arraigned on Saturday at First District Court in Hempstead on charges of second degree kidnapping, first degree criminal contempt and second degree menacing.

New Agreements With Long Island, Western New York Operators Mean 26 Companies Hosting 55 Gun Shows Have Adopted Schneiderman’s Model Gun Show Procedures; Schneiderman: Proud To Highlight Outstanding Cooperation With Gun Show Operators To Ensure Firearms Stay Out Of The Wrong Hands

(ROCHESTER, NY) – After a tour of one of the largest gun shows in the State of New York, Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced that three more gun show operators have agreed to follow the Model Gun Show Procedures developed by the Attorney General’s Office to promote uniform gun show operations across the state. As a result of these new voluntary agreements, 26 operators responsible for at least 55 gun shows in New York this year will implement model procedures designed to ensure that legally required background checks are completed on every sale of a firearm.

Attorney General Schneiderman announced the new agreements following a tour of the Rochester Gun Show operated by Empire State Arms Collectors Association, his first visit to a gun show since taking office. During the tour, the Attorney General was briefed by the show’s operators on the implementation of the Model Gun Show Procedures, including a rule that ensures all guns brought into the gun show by private sellers are tagged so that, upon exiting, the operator can determine if guns were sold and that a proper background check was performed.

“I am proud to stand together with the organizers of today’s Rochester gun show to highlight our shared commitment to keeping deadly firearms out of the hands of felons, terrorists, and those who are dangerously mentally ill,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “The cooperation we have seen shows that public safety does not need to be divisive or a partisan issue. Gun show operators around the state have voluntarily agreed to adopt simple procedures that increase the safety of New Yorkers without infringing upon the Second Amendment rights of gun owners. I look forward to continuing to work with them to accomplish our shared goal of making our communities safer.”

“Responsible gun owners, gun show operators, and the Attorney General all want the same thing. We want to protect our communities and families by keeping firearms out of the hands of dangerous criminals, which is why we applaud Attorney General Schneiderman’s efforts to work with us to adopt these voluntary model protocols,” said Bernie Lusk, President of the Empire State Arms Collectors Association. “These cooperative agreements are common sense, voluntary agreements that help operators implement state law without impeding our businesses. But more importantly, they show that it is possible to work collaboratively and find common ground on gun safety issues.”

The most recent signees include B&C Sporting LLC of Long Island, which holds two gun shows annually; Little Valley Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., and Sons of the American Legion, Squadron #531. The process is ongoing, with the goal of universal adoption of the procedures in the state by the end of this year.

Attorney General Schneiderman’s agreements are with operators who run gun shows in Akron, Albany, Alexander, Allegany, Batavia, Caledonia, Canandaigua, Cheektowaga, Clarence, Clayton, Clifton Park, Clyde, Elmira, Fillmore, Geneseo, Great Valley, Hamburg, Hauppauge, Lake George, Lisle, Little Valley, Middletown, North Geneva, Oneonta, Port Crane, Rochester, Salamanca, Sanitaria Springs, Saratoga Springs, Sidney, Springville, Syracuse, Unadilla, Wales Center, Watkins Glen, Westfield, and West Potsdam.

The development of the Model Procedures grew out of Attorney General Schneiderman’s 2011 investigation of gun shows around the state. This investigation uncovered the frequent occurrence of private sales without background checks. Following that discovery, the Attorney General’s Office and several gun show operators worked together to develop the Model Procedures, which balance the rights of the sportsmen and gun collectors with the need to protect the public from the sale of guns to people who cannot pass a background check, also known as a “National Instant Criminal Background Check System” or “NICS.” The Model Procedures require operators to do the following:

• Post conspicuous signs throughout the shows, and give written notice to all dealers that New York State law requires that a National Instant Criminal Background Check be completed before the transfer of a gun at a gun show, including on the grounds of the show.
• Require that all guns brought into the gun show by private sellers are tagged so that, upon exiting, the operator can determine if the guns were sold and a NICS was performed.
• Provide access to a dealer who is authorized to conduct a NICS at cost.
• The dealer performing the NICS shall complete and file the ATF Form 4473 and maintain the forms for inspection by law enforcement agencies for ten years, per the Gun Show Law.
• Limit the number of access doors at the show so that sellers and buyers have to enter and exit through an area where the NICS procedures can be monitored.
• Use reasonable means to prevent illegal gun sales outside of the building, including the parking lot.
• Alert local law enforcement that a show will be held in their area, request periodic patrols in the parking lots to deter illegal sales, and call them if illegal sales are observed or suspected.

During today’s tour, Attorney General Schneiderman visited the station where firearms are tagged before entering the gun show, witnessed a background check procedure, and saw the station where purchased firearms are inspected to ensure a background check has been completed before the purchaser can remove the gun from the show.

The 26 gun show operators that have agreed to adopt Attorney General Schneiderman’s Model Gun Show Procedures are:

• Alabama Hunt Club, Inc.
• B&C Sporting LLC
• BLG Auction Services
• Bontrager Real Estate and Auction Services
• Clayton Rotary Club
• Daniel A. Carter Auction Co., Inc.
• Empire State Arms Collectors Association, Inc.
• Goldfuss & Assoc.
• Hessney Auction Company, LTD
• Little Valley Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.
• Mid Atlantic Arms Collectors
• Mid-Hudson Promotions, Inc.
• Mid State Arms Collectors & Shooters Club, Inc.
• NEACA Inc.
• New York State Arms Collectors Association, Inc.
• Niagara Frontier Collectors, Inc
• Niagara Frontier Gun Shows, Inc
• Newmart Promotions, Inc.
• RG Mason Auction
• Roy Teitsworth, Inc.
• Sons of the American Legion, Squadron #531
• TB Auction, Hunt Real Estate
• York-Penn Shows, Inc.
• Westchester Collectors, Inc.
• West Potsdam Volunteer Fire Company, Inc.
• Williston Auctions, Inc.

For more information on the Model Procedures between Attorney General Schneiderman and gun show operators around New York State, visit: www.ag.ny.gov.

Hosted by SWAY, musical guests joining Reverend Al Sharpton onstage include DJ Lina, rapper Cassidy, Bridget Kelly, Grammy Award-winning violinist/producer, Miri Ben-Ari and the Rude Mechanical Orchestra whose performances will inspire the crowd before the March begins; Marchers will call for funding and support to fight HIV/AIDS in New York—particularly in light of recent funding cuts to New York public health services which will result in 68,000 fewer HIV tests

(NEW YORK) – Hundreds of advocates and community leaders are expected to participate in the “Keep the Promise on HIV/AIDS” March and Rally on Saturday, April 6^th beginning at 12:00 noon in Cadman Plaza Park in Brooklyn, New York. The event—the third in a series calling on officials to commit to stopping AIDS—will be hosted by radio and television personality Sway Calloway and features the Reverend Al Sharpton, one of America’s foremost civil rights leaders.  Musical guests include DJ Lina, hip hop emcee Cassidy, Grammy Award-Winners Bridget Kelly and Grammy Award-winning violinist Miri Ben-Ari and the Rude Mechanicals Orchestra, a New York City marching band.

WHAT: “Keep the Promise on HIV/AIDS” MARCH & RALLY

WHEN: Saturday, April 6^th 2012 @ 12:00 Noon

WHERE: Cadman Plaza Park – at the border of Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn

WHO:

• Reverend Al Sharpton, Civil rights leader
• Sway Calloway, MTV News Correspondent & Host of Sway in the Morning (SiriusXM/Shade45)    
• DJ Lina Cassidy, Hip Hop emcee whose recent song & video “Condom Style” promoting safer sex went viral garnishing over 2 million organic digital views to date
• Bridget Kelly, Grammy Award-winning musical artist
• Miri Ben-Ari, Grammy Award-winning violinist
• Rude Mechanicals Orchestra, New York City marching band
• Michael Weinstein, President of AIDS Healthcare Foundation
• Vaughn Taylor-Akutagawa, Interim Executive Director, Gay Men of African Descent
• Elder Stacey Latimer, Founder, Love Alive International Group
• Sam Rivera, Executive Vice President/COO, Exponents                    

Other distinguished guests:                                                                                  

• Velmanette Montgomery (D), 25^th District, New York State Senate
• Stephen Levin, New York City Council Member, Brooklyn, 33^rd District
• Maria del Carmen Arroyo (D), New York City Council Member, Bronx, 17^th District

B-Roll:

• Marchers wearing “Keep the Promise” t-shirts, carrying signs, banners and flags with the “Keep the Promise on AIDS” messaging
• AHF’s 72 foot Condom Nation big rig

FOR MEDIA CREDENTIALING, PLEASE CALL: 

• Ged Kenslea, AHF’s Senior Director, Communications, (323) 791-5526 mobile
• Michael Camacho, NYC Regional Director, AHF, (646) 265-7460 mobile

Created by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) the “Keep the Promise” campaign brings together local and national advocates along with spiritual and political leaders to remind elected officials that the fight against HIV/AIDS is not yet won.   Additional supporters of the New York “Keep the Promise” rally and march include LifeBeat and the Brooklyn Borough President’s Office.

Advocates from regions across the Northeast—including Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island—will be traveling by bus to NYC to support the “Keep the Promise” goals and join in the rally and march.

In the earliest days of the epidemic, New York was one of the cities at the epicenter of the disease, where one of the world’s first HIV/AIDS service organizations was born in 1981, the Gay Men’s Health Crisis (according to CNN’s Timeline: AIDS Moments to Remember).  Today, effective medications have made HIV/AIDS largely a manageable disease and national commitment to fight the HIV/AIDS in the U.S. – and funding – has diminished.  In fact, a recent $2,726,000 funding cut to New York’s health departments as a result of sequestration will mean 68,000 fewer HIV tests (according to the Legislative Gazette’s How will sequester affect New York?).  This at a time when more and more people are receiving late HIV diagnoses, which results in poorer health outcomes and increased transmission.  According to an article published by UPI.com on March 8, 2013, 30% of New York women are getting a “late” HIV diagnosis.

“It is important to send the message that this country’s struggle against AIDS isn’t over – especially in New York, where not only is there a high concentration of HIV, but where funding cuts continue to negatively impact the city’s ability to battle the epidemic,” said Michael Camacho, New York City Regional Director for AHF and the lead organizer for the New York march.  “We need to follow through on our commitment to providing access to prevention and treatment to everyone, everywhere.”

Organizations that have signed on in support of the “Keep the Promise” march include: After Hours Project, Metropolitan Community Church-NY, Positive Women’s Network, Iris House, Exponents, HEAT Program at SUNY Downstate, Village Cares, AIDS Service Center (ASC), Gay Men of African Descent (GMAD), Commission on the Public Health System (CPHS) and Brooklyn Pride.

Also in attendance at the March will be AHF’s Condom Nation a safer sex initiative that aims to distribute 50 million free condoms this year in the U.S. through a national tour of a 72-foot custom-wrapped “Condom Nation”-themed big rig.  Several mobile HIV testing vans will also be on hand to offer free HIV testing to the public.

More information about the “Keep the Promise” effort can be found at www.keepthepromiseonAIDS.org and by following the group on Facebook and on Twitter @KTPonAIDS