Over the past few weeks, the back office and fulfillment house (which, we assure you, is not as exciting or salacious as it sounds) has undergone a dramatic transformation. Originally storage space for President Kendall Morrison and partner Sean-Michael Fleming and their handpicked collection of tools, artwork, and whatnot (mostly whatnot), it has been transformed into office space and storage for NYBC. After the makeover, equipment, generously donated from the now-silent DAAIR office was brought in, and a back office has slowly taken form.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mark Niedzolkowski (212) 581-8861
Kendall Morrison (718) 573-8123

(New York) – Filling a void left by the closure of the People with AIDS Health Group in 2000 and Direct Access Alternative Information Resources (DAAIR) in 2003, the New York Buyers’ Club (NYBC) is pleased to announce that it will begin operations by July 1, 2004. NYBC is a member-led, member-oriented non-profit organization comprised of people living with HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C and other chronic conditions." Members offer each other information, mutual support, and affordable access to nutritional supplements and other products crucial to supporting their health and well-being, as well as combating the adverse side effects of their standard medical treatment regimens.

“There’s a real need in our community for NYBC,” said Kendall Morrison, NYBC’s Board President. “Many people living with HIV/AIDS and/or Hep C are often very financially stressed by dealing with their conditions, and a buyers’ club offers a way to obtain useful nutritional supplements at a reasonable cost. But we also want to help each other understand what’s worthwhile based on our own experiences.”

NYBC’s program will consist of:
- A purchasing co-op to obtain appropriate, affordable vitamins and nutritional supplements
- Information on using complementary and alternative approaches to handling these illnesses
- Public forums featuring experts on complementary and alternative approaches
- Informal support/discussion groups on using complementary and alternative approaches
- On-line discussion groups and bulletin boards via our comprehensive web site
- Referrals to reputable health practitioners knowledgeable about complementary approaches
- Partnerships with community-based organizations to undertake a variety of activities

NYBC has begun recruiting members and plans to begin operations on or about July 1. During the month of June, they will be tabling at various street fairs and at Gay Pride Month festivals across the city.

On Wednesday evening June 30, NYBC will hold a Community Meeting to introduce itself to the general public and press, answer questions, and invite people to become members. The meeting will be held at the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center located at 208 West 13th Street in Manhattan. All are invited to attend.

“We think there’s great interest in and potential for a buyers’ club here in New York where thousands of people are living with HIV/AIDS and/or Hep C,” said Mark Niedzolkowski, NYBC’s Development Coordinator. “Collectively we have a lot of experience to share with each other on how best to live with our conditions. We’re excited to be joining the vibrant community of organizations already serving our members, and we look forward to collaborating with a variety of people and groups.”