First African- American Woman Appointed To Gov. Paterson’s Commission On Hiv/aids

Nomination made by Senator Parker who champions HIV/AIDS causes in the Senate

Brooklyn, NY-   In February 2007, State Senator Kevin Parker pledged action in the fight against HIV/AIDS by launching the HIV/AIDS Task Force and a 12-month issue based campaign.  In keeping with those efforts, Senator Parker took another proactive and progressive stance by nominating a knowledgeable and hardworking community HIV/AIDS  advocate to the Governor's Commission on HIV/AIDS. His choice of Adele Flateau, M.S. was supported by activists within the HIV/AIDS  community around the state who recognized its positive implications.  

Ms. Flateau serves as the Executive Director of Housing Works, Inc. in Brooklyn, where she provides daily oversight and management of the newly developed, comprehensive health center for women living with HIV/AIDS.  She also serves as one of the Task Force Members created by Senator Parker in the fight against HIV/AIDS.    

"HIV/AIDS is a major issue in New York, and I congratulate Adele for pledging the kind of leadership we need in the fight against AIDS," said Sen. Parker.  "HIV/AIDS prevention efforts are slowly paying off. But unfortunately, the rate of infections continue to rise daily in New York State and those who are affected are people of color. Therefore, it is essential that the Commission reflect a diverse team of on-the-ground practitioners and advocates," he added. 

" I think my appointment will be a major asset for the community especially since I've been working with HIV victims for over 20 years," said Ms. Flateau. "I believe my voice will speak for the less heard and will speak to grant funding for those living with HIV/AIDS, especially women of color," she added.

Ms. Flateau brings to the position over 20 years experience in hospital administration, 10 of which have been in HIV program development and implementation geared toward West Indian and African clients.  Two of her major accomplishments include: establishing a HIV Primary Care Clinic which include a customized education & outreach van and being the recipient of the highest award from NYSDOH AIDS Institute to develop nutrition, substance abuse and computerized patient tracking system.  Overall, Ms. Flateau has strong skills in the areas of: fundraising, special events, program management, board development, marketing, and administration.

About Senator Kevin Parker
Senator Kevin S. Parker is committed to restoring the overall quality of life for the constituents of the 21st Senatorial District in Brooklyn.  Senator Parker assembled a task force in 2007 of community leaders in the fields of healthcare, education, labor, media, the arts as well as people living with AIDS (PLWAs) and several local chapters of sororities and fraternities.  Together, they launched “What’s Your Code?”, a groundbreaking initiative specifically designed to raise awareness and “promote HIV/AIDS education in and around Central Brooklyn.  , Senator Parker is intimately familiar with the needs of this ethnically diverse community that consists of 311,000 constituents in several communities which include:  Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Ditmas Park, Kensington and Borough Park.