David White Joins Oklahoma AIDS Care Fund

David White has joined the Oklahoma AIDS Care Fund as Advocacy and Policy Associate.

White grew up on a farm in southern Oklahoma. While at Oklahoma State, he interned for the legislature and various local campaigns. After OSU, he worked for several members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. He then spent the 2012 election cycle working at one of Oklahoma’s top political consulting firms where he managed client accounts and campaign activities for local and legislative races.

In 2013, White worked in the newly created Office of Administrative Rules where he analyzed proposed state agency rules. During his time in the House, he ran the mock legislature portion of the House Page Program. In 2015, White joined a senate chairman's staff where he managed the senator’s legislative agenda, constituent services and internship program.

In his role at the Oklahoma AIDS Care Fund, White will lead the organization's advocacy efforts to educate our elected officials about HIV/AIDS in Oklahoma and the importance of public funding, positive policy changes and legislation to prevent new infections and provide quality care and services to those living with the disease. He will also oversee the advocacy coalition comprised of citizen advocates and experts in the infectious diseases field.

"David has served as a volunteer for our organization for the past year. We are excited he is joining our team to help elevate our advocacy program and guide us in serving as a voice for the almost 6,000 individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Oklahoma," said Cher Golding, executive director.

"We are still experiencing an HIV epidemic in our state with 300 new infections each year. Without changes in legislation and quality of care for those affected, we will continue to see these numbers rise. With grant funding support from the Elton John AIDS Foundation, we are able to train volunteers and recommend policy that positively impacts clients and ends the spread of new infections."

To learn more about the Oklahoma AIDS Care Fund's advocacy program or to volunteer, please contact David White at dwhite@okaidscarefund.com or (405) 348-6600.

Copyright The Gayly – September 14, 2017 @ 7:15 a.m. CDT.