D.A.P. manager elected to Board of Directors of national AIDS organization

(PALM SPRINGS, CA – February 5, 2009)

Peter DeMartino, PhD, who works as Program Development Manager at Desert AIDS Project in Palm Springs, was recently elected to the Board of Directors for the Communities Advocating Emergency AIDS Relief (CAEAR) Coalition.

The CAEAR Coalition is a national membership organization advocating for federal appropriations, legislation, policy, and regulations to meet the care, treatment, support service, and prevention needs of people living with HIV/AIDS and the organizations that serve them. Its proactive leadership is focused on the Ryan White Program as a central part of the nation’s response to HIV/AIDS.

“The inauguration of President Obama and the seating of the 111th Congress present new opportunities for all Americans, including people living with, affected by, or at-risk for HIV or AIDS in the Coachella Valley,” said David Brinkman, Executive Director of Desert AIDS Project. “Peter’s work with the CAEAR Coalition will help our area to maintain the strength and integrity of the Ryan White Program. CAEAR is essential to the development and implementation of a national AIDS strategy that will help ensure access to high quality care for all Americans living with HIV or AIDS.” 

DeMartino manages an active grassroots network of community-based HIV organizations and individual activists to participate in a broad range of HIV policy advocacy activities. He also meets regularly with elected officials, legislative staff, and various administrators to provide education and to advocate for HIV policy advances. In addition to his work with CAEAR, DeMartino maintains memberships with the National Association of People with AIDS, the National Minority AIDS Council, Campaign to End AIDS, and local advocacy groups.

Desert AIDS Project is the organization in our community where people living with HIV and AIDS can receive comprehensive support, including medical care, case management, and social services. D.A.P. also offers confidential HIV testing at a number of locations and widespread education and prevention services for schools, civic organizations, businesses, churches, and health organizations throughout the communities it serves. For more information, visit www.desertaidsproject.org or call 760-323-2118.