NUHEALTH’S HIV PROGRAM HOSTS ANNUAL SURVIVORSHIP CELEBRATION
February 19, 2010
Contact: Shelley Lotenberg
516-572-6055
Shelley@numc.edu
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
NUHEALTH’S HIV PROGRAM HOSTS ANNUAL SURVIVORSHIP CELEBRATION
Event highlights benefits of current therapies and adherence to medical treatment
East Meadow, NY…….Arthur A. Gianelli, President/CEO of the NuHealth System, announced that the Nassau University Medical Center’s HIV program held another successful annual survivorship celebration, hosted by NUMC’s Center for Positive Health. In 2005, the Center for Positive Health, NuHealth’s HIV Program began hosting an annual Survivorship Celebration for patients who had been living with HIV Infection for more than 10 years. Persons living with HIV for up to 27 years participated in the event as well, an event which highlighted the benefits of current therapies and adherence to medical treatment.
“Just as important as highlighting the benefits of current therapies and adherence to medical treatment, was the outlet that this event provided for survivors who are proud to share their stories, inspiring newly diagnosed patients not to give up,” indicated Gianelli.
The program’s director, Dr. Janice Verley and program administrator, Martine Michel-Toure, along with the program’s medical case management staff, welcomed and encouraged all to participate in a series of celebratory activities which included joyful testimonies, socializing with staff and patients, and lots of dancing. One patient said it best, “I am grateful to live (with HIV), most people just exist”.
In the photo are (Left to Right): Medical Case Management staff, Regia Thomas-Mengual, Lucimara Leite-Charlot, Patricia Richards, Michelle Campbell and Jean Jacques.
