*This is an archive page. The links are no longer being updated.

1992.06.16 :  Award -- Molly Ringwald

Contact: Renee Brehio (202) 245-1854
June 16, 1992

     HHS Secretary Louis W. Sullivan, M.D., today presented actress
Molly Ringwald with the Secretary's Award for Excellence in Public
Service for her efforts to increase AIDS awareness through her role
in the ABC television movie, "Something to Live For -- The Alison
Gertz Story."  The production, and an accompanying public service
announcement, resulted in a record number of calls to the HHS-
supported CDC National AIDS Hotline.
     "Ms. Ringwald accepted the lead in this production because she
wanted to do something to help in the fight against AIDS," 
Secretary Sullivan said in presenting the award.  "Through her
portrayal of Alison Gertz she has delivered a compelling message
about AIDS to millions of Americans."
     Alison Gertz, the young woman whose experiences the movie is
based on, will also receive the award, but was unable to attend the
ceremony for health reasons.  Secretary Sullivan commended her for
her work with high school and college students, providing
information and a powerful warning about AIDS.  
     "Alison Gertz has reached out to those at risk despite the
emotional and physical cost involved.  Her amazing personal
strength and courage have been a source of inspiration for the
entire nation,"  he said. 
     Secretary Sullivan also presented Awards for Excellence in
Public Service to ABC Entertainment and Grossbart/Barnett        
Productions for their community service in airing and producing
"Something to Live For."   "Something to Live For -- The Alison
Gertz Story" aired on ABC television on March 29, *This is an archive page. The links are no longer being updated.
*This is an archive page. The links are no longer being updated.
1992.  As a
result of the public service announcement featuring Ms. Ringwald
which followed "Something to Live For," the Centers for Disease
Control National AIDS Hotline received a record number of 189,000
calls in the 24 hours after the movie aired.  An estimated 24
million viewers watched the ABC program.  The network plans a
rerun.
     An important theme of the program was the need for those who
may have been exposed to AIDS to seek testing and counseling.  Some
one million Americans are estimated to be infected with the human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS, but only about half
of them are aware that they are infected and thus know that they
can transmit the virus to others.  Callers to the toll-free AIDS
Hotline may ask any question in confidence, especially concerning
transmission of the virus as well as testing and counseling.  The
hotline also provides referral to other AIDS information sources
and services.
       The CDC National AIDS Hotline can be reached at 1-800-342-
AIDS (English), 1-800-344-7432 (Spanish), or 1-800-243-7889 (TTY-
Deaf Service).  The CDC National Clearinghouse for AIDS Information
can be reached at 1-800-458-5231.  People seeking booklets and
other information on AIDS can also write the Clearinghouse at P.O.
Box 6003, Rockville, MD, 20849.
       CDC is one of the eight Public Health Service agencies
within HHS.                    ###