About GMHC:
Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization dedicated to ending the AIDS epidemic and uplifting the lives of all affected by and living with HIV and AIDS. GMHC began in 1981 just after the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported an alarming occurrence of a rare cancer (Kaposi's sarcoma) in otherwise healthy gay men. The disease was first coined "gay cancer" and later GRID or "gay-related immune deficiency."
In that same year, 1981, eighty men gathered in New York writer Larry Kramer's apartment to address this new "gay disease." This informal meeting was the foundation for the Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC).
In 1982, GMHC opened the first AIDS hotline, which was an answering machine in the home of volunteer (and later paid director) Rodger McFarlane. The organization opened its first office on West 22nd Street in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City.
In 1982, GMHC opened the first AIDS hotline, which was an answering machine in the home of volunteer (and later paid director) Rodger McFarlane. The organization opened its first office on West 22nd Street in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City.
Since its inception, GMHC has provided comprehensive HIV/AIDS services, including health awareness programs an legal advocacy.
According to the 2008 GMHC Annual Report, the organization increased HIV testing by 33%. With CDC estimates of the number of new HIV infections 40% higher than originally projected, mostly affecting at risk population such as women and gay men of color, GMHC has launched an aggressive prevention and testing campaign to combat the epidemic.
Dr. Marjorie J. Hill and GMHC:
Dr. Marjorie J. Hill is the Chief Executive Officer of Gay Men’s Health Crisis. Dr. Hill previously served as GMHC’s Managing Director for Community Health where she had responsibility for the Women’s Institute, the Institute for Gay Men’s Health (IGMH) and
coordination of agency wide community level health promotion initiatives.
Prior to her tenure at GMHC, Dr Hill was the Assistant Commissioner for the Bureau of HIV/AIDS at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). At DOHMH, Dr. Hill had administrative oversight for HIV prevention, treatment, and research and housing programs.
Prior to her tenure at GMHC, Dr Hill was the Assistant Commissioner for the Bureau of HIV/AIDS at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). At DOHMH, Dr. Hill had administrative oversight for HIV prevention, treatment, and research and housing programs.
Dr. Hill formerly served as a Commissioner for the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board and as Director of the NYC Mayor’s Office for the Lesbian and Gay Community in the Dinkins' Administration. A licensed clinical psychologist, Dr.Hill has consulted and lectured on issues of cultural diversity, HIV/AIDS in communities of color, conflict resolution, organizational devolvement and homophobia.
Where You Can Get More Information:
To vounteer, make a donation, get tested or for more on HIV/AIDS and how GMHC can help, visit gmhc.org.
