Secretary Thompson Announces PACHA Co-Chair

Secretary Thompson Announces PACHA Co-Chair

Department of Health and Human Services
December 16, 2004
Contact: HHS Press Office
(202) 690-6343

HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today announced Anita Smith as the co-chair of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA). The PACHA provides the President and the Secretary with recommendations regarding programs and policies intended to anticipate and respond to the World's HIV/AIDS epidemic. Mrs. Smith, the first woman to serve as a PACHA co-chair, has been a member of PACHA for several years and is a recognized expert on youth development and HIV/AIDS. She has co-authored a wide range of articles on youth development and HIV/AIDS and has coordinated research on HIV/AIDS.

"Anita brings a tremendous degree of experience and expertise to the council, which only strengthens this administration's commitment to help end the pandemic of HIV and AIDS," Secretary Thompson said. "Anita will help lead an already strong team that continues to make great strides in halting the spread of HIV and AIDS across the world through results-driven initiatives, extensive research, and an expansion in access to quality care and treatment."

Mrs. Smith is the co-founder of the Children's AIDS Fund (CAF), which limits the suffering of children and families caused by HIV infection and AIDS by providing services, care, resources, referrals and education. CAF also develops and produces resources and materials to help educate the general public about HIV. Mrs. Smith assumes the position of PACHA co-chair vacated by Dr. Tom Coburn, who resigned to pursue, and win, a U.S. Senate seat in his home state of Oklahoma.

"I am very pleased about the appointment of Mrs. Smith as co-chair," said Louis W. Sullivan, M.D., co-chair of PACHA. "As a member of the council since early 2002, Mrs. Smith has shown herself to be exceptionably knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS and tireless in her efforts to improve the nation's response to this epidemic." Dr. Sullivan continued, "Dr. Coburn has given gallant service to PACHA and we look forward to his continued involvement in the fight against HIV/AIDS."

The PACHA, established in 1995, had its charter renewed in 2001 by President George W. Bush. Council members serve terms of up to four years and are selected for their expertise in HIV/AIDS and their diverse personal and professional backgrounds.

Marsha Martin, Executive Director of AIDS Action, stated "Anita and I have worked together on a number of issues over the years. She's always professional and always well informed with the most up-to-date information available. I am very glad that a woman as talented as Anita has been elevated to this position. I look forward to working with her and Dr. Sullivan in the future."

The PACHA Web site is http://www.pacha.gov/.