N E W S   R E L E A S E
For Immediate Release: December 19, 2006

John D. Hassell Appointed Washington, DC Director for United Nations Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS
Member of Metropolitan Community Churches To Lead UNAIDS Efforts in U.S. Policy Environment
 
Washington, DC -- John D. Hassell, a member of Metropolitan Community Church of the District of Columbia, has been appointed the new Washington, DC Director of the United Nations Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).
 
In this capacity, John will be responsible for leading UNAIDS efforts within the U.S. policy environment, including guiding the engagement of and provision of support to key stakeholders in the U.S. government, the private sector, the advocacy community and the media.
 
The Reverend Dr. Cindi Love, Executive Director of Metropolitan Community Churches worldwide, said, "John is an extraordinary human being and a long and faithful member of movement and ministry of Metropolitan Community Churches. He is an active contributor and supporter of MCC's mission in Zimbabwe. John was first inspired about his calling to work with HIV/AIDS during a Ugandan choral service at MCC San Francisco while the Reverend Elder Jim Mitulski was pastor. John is truly letting his life speak in ways that will change our world for the better. I encourage all friends and members of Metropolitan Community Churches to remember John in their prayers as he steps forward to lead in the fight against HIV/AIDS."
 
Hassell said, "I am excited to work with some of the world’s most dedicated public servants who everyday fight to care for people living with HIV and prevent its spread. The United States, through the determined work of many diverse actors within the public and private sectors, has provided significant leadership in the global fight against AIDS. The mission of our office is to support, sustain and enhance that commitment."
 
John succeeds Michael Iskowitz, who has led the UNAIDS Washington, DC office since its inception in 2003. John comes to UNAIDS from Hewlett-Packard Company, where he ran its federal government affairs office in Washington, D.C. He previously directed HP's state and local government affairs program, and worked for Simpson Investment Company, FMC Corporation and Caterpillar Inc. in a variety of public affairs roles.
 
John has served on the Northwest AIDS Foundation board of directors in Seattle; the Pierce County, Washington, Community AIDS Partnership; the Human Rights Campaign's Business Council; the Santa Clara County, California AIDS Commission; and the University of California at San Francisco AIDS Research Institute Leadership Council.
 
The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) is the lead global advocate uniting the world against AIDS. Bringing together governments, communities, and international partners, UNAIDS promotes and supports efforts to ensure HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services reach the tens of millions of people living with or affected by HIV worldwide. With offices in more than 75 developing countries, UNAIDS helps build political will, strengthen AIDS delivery systems and local capacity, clear administrative roadblocks, promote lessons learned and measure and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of AIDS policies and programs globally.
 
Metropolitan Community Church partners with the Yvette Flunder Foundation and local MCC churches to provide direct support to an Orphanage in Zimbabwe (Africa). Through our joint mission, almost 200 children and the workers at the orphanage are supported in a self-sustaining model created by the orphanage's founder. They have built their own shelters as well as a dam for water reclamation. They cleared their land for farming and produce their own crops and they have a bakery that provides their bread. Our goal is to provide $420 (USD) per child each year -- $35 per month -- to cover the cost of education, clothing, food and medications as well as support for on-going building projects at the orphanage. To learn more, visit www.MCCchurch.org/hiv.
 
DVDs of the MCC documentary "We Who Are One Body: A Spiritual Walk with AIDS" are available from MCC. To order your DVD for only the cost of shipping and handling, visit to www.MCCchurch.org/AIDSDVD. 
 
MCC's commitment to the orphanage is to create sustainable, long-term support. If you would like to participate in this life-sustaining ministry campaign, we ask that you give only $20 to embark on this journey with us. You may order the documentary DVD for $20 plus shipping and handling at www.MCCchurch.org/AIDSDVDandDONATION. All other donations to this mission of Metropolitan Community Churches can be made at  www.MCCchurch.org/AIDSGiving.
 
Thank you for your support!

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For Additional Information on UNAIDS, Contact:
David Haroz, Policy Officer
UNAIDS-USA
1825 K Street NW, Suite 701
Washington, DC 20006 
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"Tearing down walls. Building up hope."

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