New York State
AIDS Advisory Council names new chair

Sandra Ruiz Butter, president of the Bronx, N.Y.-based group VIP Community Services, was appointed Monday to chair the New York State AIDS Advisory Council, a board that makes recommendations on statewide AIDS policies to the state health commissioner. Butter's work at VIP Community Services has focused on providing a range of integrated services--including primary medical care--to area residents with HIV who are homeless or struggling with addictions.

"It's a tremendous honor to chair the New York State AIDS Advisory Council," Butter said in a press statement. "HIV/AIDS continues to impact the New York community at an alarming rate. The council members understand the issues of public policy and programs that can enhance the lives of people with HIV/AIDS from Buffalo to the Bronx." (The Advocate)