(ROCHESTER, NY) - Today Senator Jeremy Cooney (D-Rochester) awarded Dr. William Valenti with a New York State Liberty Medal, the highest civilian honor that can be given to a resident of the state by the State Senate. Dr. Valenti is known for his decades of work combating the HIV and AIDS epidemic, and for co-founding what is now Trillium Health.

“Dr. Valenti is nothing short of a hero,” said Senator Cooney. “While many stood on the sidelines during the AIDS epidemic, he ran to the front lines, providing the kind of care that saved lives and spearheading the kind of advocacy that would save countless lives to come. The Liberty Medal is the highest civilian honor we can bestow in New York State from the Senate, and I can think of no one more deserving than someone who didn’t give into fear, but who instead provided a ray of hope for so many New Yorkers in their darkest hour.” 

“Receiving the New York State Liberty Medal is a profound honor, and I am deeply grateful to Senator Cooney for this recognition,” said Dr. William Valenti. “My life’s work has been driven by the fundamental belief that we can come together to provide compassionate and comprehensive healthcare to everyone in our community. Although I am stepping down from my role at Trillium Health, I will continue to support its efforts to end the HIV Epidemic and reduce new infections through testing, treatment, and prevention.” 

“Dr. Valenti’s leadership, courage, and groundbreaking work established the foundation upon which Trillium Health was built,” said Jason Barnecut-Kearns, President and CEO of Trillium Health. “He stepped up to serve vulnerable patients during the AIDS crisis, and he saved countless lives in the process. We look forward to honoring his legacy by continuing to expand Trillium Health, and by providing judgment-free, affordable healthcare to everyone in our community regardless of their ability to pay.”

Dr. Valenti co-founded the Community Health Network, what is now known as Trillium Health, with the purpose of serving AIDS patients during the height of the epidemic. At a time when many turned their backs on these patients and the LGBTQ+ community, Dr. Valenti spearheaded the response through front-line care and through advocacy efforts. While Trillium Health has since grown in their scope of practice, this mission of caring for underserved populations in times of crises has continued to guide their work. 

Dr. Valenti also co-founded AIDS Rochester, was a member of the Rochester Area Task Force on AIDS and Helping People with Aids, all with the express purpose of providing the individual, specialized care that these patients required. He “participated in early clinical trials, advocated for faster drug approvals, and helped to introduce a ‘one-stop-shop’ model that combined medical care and supportive services for people living with HIV/AIDS.” 

During his decades of leadership, Dr. Valenti combined patient-level care with advocacy at all levels of governments. He served as an advisor to both the CDC and the NYS Department of Health among other task forces both in New York and nationally. He is an author of the memoir AIDS: A Matter of Urgency, has published over 150 peer-reviewed articles on AIDS and other infectious diseases, and continues to serve as an expert on the fight to end AIDS and HIV. 

Senator Cooney presented Dr. Valenti with the Liberty Medal at Trillium Health’s World AIDS Day event. The event assumed the dual purpose this year of continuing to spread awareness and call for resources for AIDS prevention, while also honoring the career of Dr. Valenti who is stepping down after decades of service. 

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