ETAF Ambassador/Actress Kate Burton (of TV’s Scandal) Announces Sponsorship Honoring Elizabeth Taylor’s Legacy & Empowering the Next Generation of HIV/AIDS Advocates
WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 23, 2014) — AIDSWatch organizers are thrilled to announce The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) as Presenting Sponsor for the two-day AIDSWatch 2015 program. It is the U.S.’ largest constituent-based HIV advocacy event, bringing together hundreds of HIV advocates to Washington, D.C. from all around the country to educate members of Congress about the legislative priorities and resources needed to help bring an end to this epidemic. In tribute to Elizabeth Taylor’s legacy as an activist in the fight against HIV/AIDS, ETAF will help fund the event, which is organized by the Treatment Access Expansion Project (TAEP), AIDS United and the US People Living with HIV Caucus. AIDSWatch 2015 will take place April 13-14.
“My step-mother, Elizabeth Taylor, often traveled to Washington, D.C. to advocate for HIV/AIDS causes over the last 25 years of her life. By testifying at Congressional hearings, and meeting with presidents, senators, and state and local representatives, she was instrumental in influencing policy that both protected and benefited people suffering from this deadly disease,” said ETAF Ambassador, Kate Burton, who is also an actress and stars on ABC’s hit political drama, Scandal. “ETAF is very proud to be the Presenting Sponsor of AIDSWatch 2015, an event which resonates with the same compassion for helping others that she showed during her time on Capitol Hill.”
ABOUT AIDSWATCH 2015 – With new advances in treatment, improved access to care through health reform and new prevention technology that includes Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), huge strides have been made in getting to the end of AIDS. However, success in this battle will depend on key legislative efforts that include on-going support and modernization of the Ryan White Care Act, removing the ban on use of federal funds for syringe exchange programs, ensuring funding and support for comprehensive sexual health education, and addressing outdated HIV-criminalization laws across the United States.
AIDSWatch provides participants with current knowledge on the state of HIV/AIDS research, prevention, treatment, and important policy developments. Participants are also trained in effective advocacy skills; and are coached on how best to share this information with policymakers and their community. After training, participants meet Members of Congress to share their personal stories about the impact of current policies in their community, highlight the importance of HIV as an issue to their constituents, and present a face to the issue. Applications for travel scholarships and registration will open Nov. 1st, 2014.
ABOUT THE ELIZABETH TAYLOR AIDS FOUNDATION – The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) was established by Elizabeth Taylor in 1991 to raise funds and awareness to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS, and to provide assistance for those living with the virus. The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (1) supports organizations delivering direct care and services to people living with HIV/AIDS, and (2) provides and supports education to the public regarding the HIV/AIDS and its prevention. ETAF provides financial support for organizations and entities both within the United States and internationally and to date, has provided over $15 million dollars in funding. To learn more or to make a donation please visit www.etaf.org.
