The Biden-Harris Administration has appointed Adrian Shanker to the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA). Adrian is the founder & executive director of Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center in Allentown, PA & a leader in LGBTQ+ health policy especially in addressing disparities & barriers to care. During the COVID-19 pandemic Adrian led a broad coalition of HIV advocates in Pennsylvania to work with the Pennsylvania Department of Health on Phase 1A COVID-19 vaccine prioritization for people living with HIV. Shanker was sworn in by Dr. Rachel Levine the Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). Shanker stated, “I am deeply honored to be appointed by the Biden-Harris Administration to serve as a member of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. Health equity is an unmet dream at the center of the challenges faced by HIV/AIDS around our country & across the globe. I am grateful that President Biden, Secretary Becerra & Assistant Secretary Levine have prioritized health equity & I am grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside the other PACHA members as we all work toward the end of the HIV epidemic.” Congresswoman Susan Wild concluded, “Throughout my time in Congress, I have worked with Adrian & have come to truly value his expertise on health policy issues related to LGBTQ people & people living with HIV/AIDS. Adrian's expertise, passion & motivation to improve health outcomes for people living with HIV/AIDS will greatly benefit the Biden-Harris Administration & I applaud his appointment to the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS.” Shanker is also editor of the critically-acclaimed anthology Bodies & Barriers: Queer Activists on Health which he discussed on OUTTAKE VOICES in our exclusive audio interview. LISTEN
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