July 2006

Rafael Cosio brings more than twelve years of experience building community partnerships.

Being Alive | People with HIV/AIDS Action Coalition Names New Executive Director

Being Alive | People with HIV/AIDS Action Coalition announces the selection of the organization's new executive director, Rafael Cosio. This announcement concludes a five-month search process by Being Alive's search committee, who reviewed the qualifications of more than 200 applicants.

"Rafael Cosio's years of experience working for people with HIV/AIDS at a grass-roots level make him a perfect match for our organization," said Guy Beck, president of Being Alive's Board of Directors. "I am confident that he has both the experience and understanding that uniquely qualify him to lead our organization into the future."

Cosio joins Being Alive from another California HIV/AIDS service organization, Pacific Pride Foundation based in Santa Barbara, where he served as Director of Education and HIV/AIDS Programs. In addition he has served in an advisory capactiy for the IDU Task Force – California HIV Planning Group/State Office of AIDS, Hepatitis C Task Force and Community Planning Group, UCSB Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity Advisory Board, and the HIV Prevention and Care Council for Santa Barbara County. Cosio is a certified HIV pre- and post- test counselor and former grant reviewer for university-wide AIDS Research Programs/UCSF. He holds a degree from University of California, Santa Barbara is Sociology and Spanish Literature.

"As executive director I hope to continue the traditions established by Being Alive for excellence in the field," said Cosio. "As a bilingual/bicultural gay Latino male with a proven track record of involvement around issues of healthcare access, advocacy, drug policy reform and social change, I strongly believe that my experience will provide a valuable contribution to this organization and its efforts in serving various communities infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS in Los Angeles County."

About Being Alive | People with HIV/AIDS Action Coalition

Being Alive | People with HIV/AIDS Action Coalition is a nonprofit membership organization created and operated by and for people living with HIV/AIDS. Being Alive strives to engender a sense of independence and self-determination in its members, thus preparing them to build a healthier and more powerful community of HIV-positive people.

Now in its 20th year, Being Alive was established in 1986 by John Mohr, Ron Rose and Rick Ewing in response to a need for services free of red tape and bureaucratic entanglement. With offices in West Hollywood and Silver Lake, Being Alive leads peer-led emotional support, treatment education, Wellness opportunities and social activities that encourage people living with HIV/AIDS to come out of isolation and embrace a productive life.