For Immediate
Release
March 2, 2007
WHITMAN-WALKER CLINIC TO HONOR
REP. STENY HOYER
Award To Be Presented at Annual Benefit for
Legal Services Program
WASHINGTON - Whitman-Walker Clinic’s Legal Services Program will honor Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., for his service to people living with HIV/AIDS, Clinic officials announced today.
Hoyer will receive the Joel A. Toubin Memorial Award at the clinic’s Going the Extra Mile benefit Wednesday, March 14. The benefit to raise funds for the Legal Services Program will be held at the residence of the French ambassador.
"I am proud to have joined with Whitman-Walker Clinic in its efforts to go the extra mile on behalf of those living with HIV and AIDS," Hoyer said on learning about the award. "While we have made tremendous strides in the treatment and care of those with HIV/AIDS, far too many Americans continue to be infected every year. Clearly, we cannot rest on what has been accomplished; resources for care and prevention must be increased, and we must redouble our efforts to raise awareness - both to de-stigmatize the disease and to make sure those who are particularly vulnerable to infection are informed and have access to all effective forms of prevention."
“Congressman Hoyer has been a steadfast champion for people living with HIV/AIDS,” said Whitman-Walker Clinic Chief Executive Officer Donald Blanchon. “He has helped bring millions of dollars in federal assistance to Whitman-Walker Clinic to improve services for our clients living with HIV/AIDS. He has also been a strong advocate of higher funding for health care and support services in the Ryan White CARE Act. For all he has done for Whitman-Walker and the people we serve, we are honored to give him this award.”
The Toubin Award is presented annually to an individual for outstanding advocacy on behalf of people living with HIV/AIDS. Joel A. Toubin, who died of AIDS, was the brother of Cheryl T. Weiner, longtime Whitman-Walker board member and a founding co-chair of Going the Extra Mile. Past recipients include U.S. Sens. Mary Landrieu, D-La. and James Jeffords, I-Vt.; U.S. Reps. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Henry Waxman, D-Calf., Barney Frank, D-Mass. and Elijah Cummings, D-Md.; and documentary filmmaker Rory Kennedy.
Hunter Carter of Arent Fox LLP will receive the Going the Extra Mile Award for outstanding legal work on behalf of people living with HIV/AIDS.
“I am thrilled to be selected for this award after 17 years as a WWC volunteer,” said Carter. “I’m proud of the Clinic’s mission and proud of the role that my fellow lawyers have played to ensure the rights of Whitman-Walker’s clients under the law. I’m also very proud of the continuing commitment of the D.C. legal community to support the Clinic’s work.”
“Hunter Carter is the epitome of a dedicated volunteer,” said Daniel Bruner, director of legal services at Whitman-Walker. “From his work as a Clinic volunteer to his past service on the Whitman-Walker board of directors, Hunter has shown his passionate commitment to serving our clients. We are honored and very proud to present him with this award."
Since 1986, Whitman-Walker Clinic’s Legal Services Program has provided pro bono legal assistance to thousands of people living with HIV/AIDS throughout the Washington metropolitan area.
Going the Extra Mile is made possible by the generous support of Hogan & Hartson LLP, Legal Source, SuperiorGlacier and more than 100 other supporters and contributors.
Established in 1973, Whitman-Walker Clinic is a non-profit, community-based provider of health care and social services in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. Through three sites, in the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia, the Clinic offers primary medical and dental care; mental health and addictions counseling and treatment; HIV education, prevention, and testing; legal services; case management; and a food bank. Whitman-Walker Clinic is committed to meeting the life needs of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community and people living with HIV/AIDS.
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