Sen. Ted Kennedy (1932-2009) WASHINGTON, DC– The National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC) joins the country in mourning the loss of Senator Edward Kennedy. One of the longest serving politicians in the nation, Kennedy was the last living member of the original Kennedy political dynasty, which included brothers President John F. Kennedy and Senator Robert Kennedy. Senator Kennedy’s work in Washington, DC was characterized by his dedication to continuing his brothers’ legacy in the Civil Rights Movement, addressing the social, economic and health disparities that undermine the well-being of underserved communities in this country.

“Senator Kennedy understood that AIDS was more than a disease – but a human rights issue,” says Paul A. Kawata, NMAC’s Executive Director. “Ensuring the health outcomes of people living with and impacted by HIV/AIDS demanded a holistic approach to AIDS that not only helped a person access drugs, but addressed the stigma they face within their communities everyday.”

Under Kennedy’s decisive leadership, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment Program passed in 1990. Since that time, the legislation has evolved, helping to provide life-saving and life-extending prevention, treatment, care and support services to over a half million people living with HIV/AIDS. The program has saved countless lives – and entire communities.

Kennedy’s accomplishments include stalwart support for health care reform, as evidenced by his surprise return to the Capitol last summer, during a difficult treatment regimen for a brain tumor, to cast the decisive vote on Medicare. Ravinia Hayes-Cozier, NMAC’s Director of Government Relations and Public Policy, says, “Senator Edward Kennedy is irreplaceable.”