AFC Mourns the Loss of Charles Clifton



Responding to news of the death of HIV/AIDS advocate Charles Clifton,
AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) Executive Director Mark Ishaug
issued the following statement:



On behalf of AFC and the Service Providers Council, I extend my
deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Charles Clifton, and to
the board, staff, clients, and volunteers of Test Positive Aware
Network.



Today the world lost a great leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Under Charles' guidance as executive director, Test Positive
Aware
Network has become a national and international leader in treatment
advocacy and prevention issues and efforts to empower people living
with HIV/AIDS.



Charles was also an integral part of AFC's Service Providers
Council,
serving as co-chair of the Policy Committee and as a member of the
Executive Committee for the past several years. Charles brought an
exceptional intelligence, warmth, and dedication to his work, and
made important contributions that are reflected in AFC's HIV/AIDS
policy and legislative priorities.



It is shocking to lose yet another friend and colleague in the fight
against AIDS. It seems like only yesterday when the world mourned the
death of Keith Cylar, another prominent African-American AIDS
activist. Statistics highlight this tragic trend: In 2002, almost
twice as many African Americans with AIDS died compared with whites,
a gap that has been increasing since 1998.



The U.S. cannot afford to be silent about the disproportionate impact
of HIV/AIDS on African Americans. We owe it to the millions of
Americans at risk for HIV to continue Charles' legacy and fight
for
prevention education, treatment, and an end to this terrible disease.



*************

A fund has been established in memory of Charles Clifton. Donations
can be made to Test Positive Aware Network. In the note section of
the check, please write: Clifton Memorial Fund

Checks should be mailed to TPAN, 5537 N. Broadway Street, Chicago, IL
60640-1405



Memorial services will be announced on TPAN's website:
http://www.tpan.com
You may also contact TPAN at (773) 989-9400



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