Senator Cooney Honors Longtime Leader in Fight Against HIV/AIDS with State Award; Announces New State Funding

(Rochester, NY) - Senator Jeremy Cooney (SD56 - Rochester) recognized Dr. Bill Valenti, founder of Trillium Health, with the New York State Senate’s Empire Award. Dr. Valenti is an infectious diseases specialist who has dedicated his career to fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic. While he has been a state and national leader in groundbreaking treatment for HIV/AIDS, his practice is based in his hometown of Rochester. He is the co-founder of Community Health Network, now Trillium Health, which opened in 1989. He is also a staff physician. 

His book AIDS: A Matter of Urgency A Doctor's Memoir was recently made into a play. Sen. Cooney also announced new state funding for Trillium Health.

NYS Senator Jeremy Cooney
“Dr. Valenti has been a leader and an advocate his entire career. Before the fight to end the AIDS epidemic was part of mainstream dialogue, he was on the frontlines sounding the alarm that we must do something to help those who were suffering. He has made protecting and caring for vulnerable populations his life’s work from standing up for LGBTQ community to fighting for those who have been ravaged by the opioid epidemic. He has created more access to medical care and delivered it with compassion, love, and acceptance. 

I am honored to recognize Dr. Valenti with the Empire Award and announce new funding from the state to support Trillium Health’s life saving work.”

Dr. Bill Valenti, Co-Founder and Staff Physician
"I am surprised and honored to be granted the New York State Senate 2021 Empire Award, and my deepest thanks go to Senator Cooney and his colleagues. Thank you for recognizing the importance of ending both the HIV and COVID-19 pandemics. We've come such a long way, but the fight isn't over." 

Andrea DeMeo, President & CEO
"Trillium Health is so honored to receive an incredibly generous contribution from Senator Cooney, who has continuously championed our mission of extraordinary healthcare for all, always through our equitable, comprehensive, and inclusive approach to care. And, we wish to congratulate our cofounder, Dr. Bill Valenti, on receiving the New York State Senate 2021 Empire Award presented by Senator Cooney in honor of his courage, hope, and innovation in the fight to eradicate HIV/AIDS at the beginning of the epidemic that continues fervently to this day. You truly are a hero to our community."