Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins Unanimously Chosen For Humanitarian of the Year Award

Last Saturday, February 13, 2010, Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D- Westchester) accepted the Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Aids-Related Community Services (ARCS) during the organization’s 8^thAnnual Valentine’s Charity Ball at the CV Rich Mansion in White Plains. Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins was chosen unanimously as the “Hearts for ARCS” Honoree in recognition of her outstanding work on behalf of Westchester County’s HIV/AIDS and LGBT communities. 

Throughout her tenure as a state and local representative, Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins has been a champion for human rights. As a Westchester County Legislator, Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins worked to establish Westchester County Human Rights Commission, which Commission is designed to promote dignity and respect for all by advancing justice, equality and education of our diverse community.  Since taking office in 2007, Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins has served as a member of the Senate Health Committee, and has been an advocate for the HIV/AIDS and LGBT communities.

“I am honored to be recognized by this outstanding organization that has been a leading advocacy group and service provider in the Hudson Valley for the HIV/AIDS and LGBT communities,” said Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins. “The HIV/AIDS community has been historically stigmatized as a result of ignorance, insecurity and intolerance.  Our continued, shared mission is to educate and to challenge the status quo.  As vital advances are made in science, medicine and technology we need to similarly work on another level to combat the false stigmas and inequities that hamper our progress.”

Aids-Related Community Services, or ARCS, is the Hudson Valley’s largest organization that focuses solely on needs of those within the HIV/AIDS and LGBT communities. Established in 1983, ARCS currently provides assistance to over 10,000 people throughout the region.  Some of the free professional services provided by ARCS include emergency assistance, case management, client advocacy and educational programs.  

“Understanding that in many ways, government needs to lead the way in acceptance, education and prevention, and needs to encourage talking, testing and treatment, is an important step in combating this epidemic. As a member of the Senate Health Committee, I will continue working to ensure resources are available throughout the state for this cause,” Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins concluded.

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