New York State Department of Health’s Aids Institute Director Named to 2025 Pride Trailblazer List

AIDS Institute Director Joseph Kerwin Named Among City & State Inaugural Pride Trailblazers

List Highlights the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LBGTQ+) Leaders Advocating and Safeguarding Human Rights and Protections

ALBANY, N.Y. (June 5, 2025) – The New York State Department of Health is proud to announce that AIDS Institute Director, Joseph Kerwin, has been named among the 2025 Pride Trailblazers by City & State New York. City & State's Pride Trailblazers list highlights the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) leaders who are advocating for the rights and protections that are being stripped from LGBTQ+ communities in many states and by the new federal administration.

"The work of the Department's AIDS Institute, under the visionary leadership of Director Joe Kerwin, embodies our mission, vision, and values and is now more important than ever," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "Director Kerwin's dedication to advancing health equity for all New Yorkers and his trusted leadership makes him a trailblazer and we are proud to have him lead the Department's AIDS Institute."

New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute Director Joseph Kerwin said, "I am deeply honored to stand alongside such an impressive group of individuals from across New York State blazing trails of equality, diversity, and justice for LGBTQ+ communities. In the face of the challenges posed by the current political landscape, our collective work is more crucial than ever. For me this recognition is a call to recommit myself as an advocate for the rights of all individuals, ensuring that all voices are heard, all identities are seen and valued, and all communities thrive."

New York State Department of Health Office of Health Equity and Human Rights Health Deputy Commissioner Tina Kim said, "Director Kerwin is a visionary and solution-oriented leader who has dedicated much of his career to advancing the critical, life-saving functions of the AIDS Institute. It is under Director Kerwin's leadership, grounded by the expertise of committed staff and the strength of long-standing community partners, that the AIDS Institute continues to forge its position as a trusted public health resource for all communities across New York. The AIDS Institute embodies the mission, values, and principles of the Office of Health Equity and Human Rights by ensuring health equity is at the heart of everything the AIDS Institute does. I thank Director Kerwin for his trailblazing leadership and dedication."

Director Kerwin has led the Department's AIDS Institute since 2023, directing statewide HIV, sexually transmitted infection and hepatitis C programs. His work and the work of the AIDS Institute is underscored by the core mission to protect and promote health and wellbeing for all, building on a foundation of health equity.

The AIDS Institute is responsible for coordinating state programs, services and activities related to HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections and hepatitis C. It also houses the Office of LGBTQ Services, which supports the development of enhanced comprehensive health and human services for LBGTQ+ individuals, families and communities, and the Office of Drug User Health, which is committed to improving the quality of life for all New Yorkers who use drugs through the promotion of harm reduction practices, accessible health care and supportive services.

The recognition comes during Pride Month in June, which is a month-long observance recognizing the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals past and present. The Department's AIDS Institute is participating in several events across the state throughout the month and beyond.

In recognition of Pride Month, the New York State Department of Health reaffirms its commitment to establishing affirming and inclusive health care and eliminating health disparities that continue to impact LGBTQ+ communities.

Learn more about the Pride events the Department will be participating in here.

Read about all of City & State's 2025 Pride Trailblazers here.

More information about the work of the Department's AIDS Institute can be found here.