News

Visits with Clients of New Brunswick's Hyacinth AIDS Foundation, Recipient of $2.1 Million Grant

Trenton, NJ - Governor Chris Christie and Health Commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd today visited the Hyacinth AIDS Foundation in New Brunswick to announce more than $19.5 million in state funding for 54 community organizations, hospitals and health agencies for prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. Hyacinth, the oldest and largest organization in the state serving those with HIV/AIDS, received the largest funding award in the amount of $2.1 million to assist in their comprehensive array of services provided to those who need them most.

"Today's funding announcement is a significant investment in our community organizations that are on the frontlines in the battle against HIV. These grants will provide $11.2 million for HIV counseling, testing and education and $8.3 million for medical care and social services including housing aid and legal services," said Governor Christie. "It's community organizations just like Hyacinth that are providing a vital safety net and vision that is worthy of our continued support. We are joined by a common vision and belief that we have a moral imperative to help people in need of treatment."

Governor Christie and Commissioner O'Dowd met with several clients of the Hyacinth AIDS Foundation, an organization that has helped more than 50,000 clients over the course of three decades through prevention, counseling and testing, legal services, housing assistance, referrals for health care and assistance to offenders re-entering the community.

The full release is available at:

http://www.state.nj.us/governor/news/news/552012/approved/20121023a.html