RANGEL WELCOMES NEW AIDS SERVICES IN EAST HARLEM.

RANGEL WELCOMES NEW AIDS SERVICES IN EAST HARLEM.

WASHINGTON -- The following information was released by the office of New York Rep. Charles B. Rangel:

Congressman Charles Rangel welcomed the recent news the AIDS Service Center of New York City (ASCNYC) would be expanding their community based services in Northern Manhattan through the renovation of the newly named Keith Haring ASC Harlem Center.

According to New York City's Department of Health Hygiene and Mental, approximately 14% (14,468 of 104,234) of New Yorkers diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in 2008 lived in the 15th Congressional District.

"I am happy to welcome ASC's expanded presence in East Harlem," said Congressman Charles Rangel. "It is essential that we provide these types of services to individuals in Upper Manhattan, and the Keith Haring ASC Harlem Center has the potential to be a great resource to our community."

The renovation, made possible through the support of the Keith Haring Foundation, the office of Councilmember Melissa Mark Viverito and Mount Sinai's Jack Martin Clinic, will enable ASC to expand HIV testing and access to care services to Harlem residents in a setting that feels like 'home.'

"Connecting people to medical care, helping them find housing, and educating about health promotion, are all part of ASC's work," said ASC CEO Sharen Duke.

The new center, which will open at 315 East 104th Street in May will also provide a way to showcase the iconic artwork of Haring, who passed away in 1990.

"The Keith Haring Foundation is proud to partner with ASCNYC in the renovation and expansion of ASC's Harlem site," says Julia Gruen, Executive Director of The Keith Haring Foundation. "It was one of Keith Haring's dreams and one of his Foundation's goals that his activism and visual legacy benefit the HIV-AIDS community. We are so grateful for the renaming of the Keith Haring ASC Harlem Center, which coincides with the 20th anniversary of the passing of this remarkable and generous artist.""

■

HighBeam Research.