CARNAHAN ESTABLISHES NEW GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL ON AIDS

Gov. Mel Carnahan has signed an executive order establishing the Governor's Council on AIDS. The Governor's Council on AIDS includes five state agencies: the departments of Health; Mental Health; Corrections; Elementary and Secondary Education; and Social Services, under the leadership of the governor.

"We need a coordinated approach to serve Missourians who are facing the challenge of HIV/AIDS," Carnahan said. "The council will bring together key agencies to ensure that we use all our resources wisely to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS as well as to provide the highest level of quality care to those Missourians with HIV/AIDS."

Carnahan created the Governor's Council on AIDS in response to a request by the Missouri AIDS Council.

The council will be accountable to the HIV/AIDS communities in Missouri and will serve in the role of ombudsman in communicating with people and groups involved with HIV/AIDS prevention and care in Missouri, Carnahan said.

For additional information on the council, call Beth Meyerson at 1-800-359-6259.