Commission made up of individuals with diverse backgrounds who have more than a decade of experience in field

New York, NY- Community Healthcare Network (CHN) President/CEO Catherine M. Abate has been named to the New York City Commission on HIV/AIDS, a body of key policy advisors on HIV/AIDS issues.

“I’m honored to have been asked to be part of this important commission,” said Catherine M. Abate, CHN president/CEO. “Community Healthcare Network has been a leader in the fight to end the spread of HIV and I look forward to sharing what we’ve learned with the Commission.”

Formed in 2003, the Commission includes individuals from diverse backgrounds, including executive directors of AIDS service organizations, HIV prevention researchers, and persons who are living with HIV/AIDS. Each member has more than a decade of experience in the field of HIV/AIDS.

Abate has served as President/CEO of CHN since 1999, her latest endeavor in a career that spans several decades of public service. A former New York State Senator in Manhattan and Commissioner of the New York City Department of Correction, Abate began her professional life as an attorney at the Legal Aid Society in New York City. She is a frequent lecturer on health care and serves on a number of boards including New York-Presbyterian Community Health Plan, Inc and its HIV SNP, Medicaid Matters New York – Steering Committee, Community Health Care Association of New York State, and Alliance for Women’s Health.

CHN is one of New York City’s premier community providers for medical and social services for those who are HIV-positive, as well as those who are at risk of contracting HIV. CHN has been involved in planning, developing, and providing HIV/AIDS services since HIV first appeared in New York City and led the way as the first agency in the U.S. to incorporate HIV services, such as counseling and testing, into family planning services.