Tom Coderre to Be Honored With Hope Harris Memorial Award at This Year’s AIDS Run/Walk for Life

Coderre is a former Obama administration official who joined Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo’s team as a senior advisor in 2018. Coderre previously represented Pawtucket in the state Senate (1995-2003) and was Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed’s chief of staff (2009-2014). In his current role, Coderre coordinates the administration’s strategy in fighting the opioid overdose epidemic and serves as a liaison to the legislature, among other duties. As an individual who has been open about his own recovery from drug addiction, Coderre has been not only an important voice advocating for Rhode Islanders who have been grappling with issues such as substance use disorder, but an inspiration for those who are on their own recovery journey. He has been an advocate for LGBTQ civil rights and fought for adequate funding of critically needed HIV/AIDS services. He has also supported numerous organizations in Rhode Island with his time and talent, including APRI, AIDS Care Ocean State, and Project Weber RENEW.

“I’m honored to be chosen by APRI as this year’s recipient of the Hope Harris Memorial Award,” Coderre says. “Helping build healthier, stronger communities is a personal and professional passion of mine.  Battling issues such as HIV or addiction while also working to end the shame and discrimination many experience will help more people become resilient members of our community.”

“Tom embodies what the Hope Harris Award is all about—which is service to the larger community, concern for one’s neighbors, and dedication to working for a healthier Rhode Island,” APRI and Family Service of Rhode Island CEO Margaret Holland McDuff says. “Hope believed steadfastly in the value of helping others and we’re proud to continue her legacy through this award—and so pleased to present it this year to Tom.”

This year’s Run/Walk for Life also unofficially kicks off LGBTQ Pride Month and takes place just two weeks before Rhode Island Pride. In addition, June 2019 marks the 50^th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, which ushered in the modern-day fight for LGBTQ equal rights. With these events in mind, the theme for this year’s Run/Walk is “Stride for Pride & Show Your True Colors” and encourages participants to show up in their most colorful, eye-catching, and fabulous creations—all in the name of uniting the community and helping those affected by and living with HIV.

APRI will be offering free HIV and hepatitis C testing the day of the event and several other community-based organizations will be part of the activities. Prizes will be awarded to top runners, top fundraisers, as well as those with the most dazzling costumes.

The 2019 AIDS Run/Walk for Life is graciously supported by our sponsors, including Providence G, the Rhode Island Department of Health, Peregrine Group, Malcolm Farmer, Rosalind Rustigian, and Cardis.