Ellen DeGeneres Tapped For HIV/AIDS Awareness Post

By Mike Hothi

Comedian and daytime television host Ellen DeGeneres is the new face for the Obama Administration’s effort to increase awareness of HIV and AIDS.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made the announcement today at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md. She announced that DeGeneres has been named as a Special Envoy for Global AIDS Awareness.

“Ellen is going to bring not only her sharp wit and her big heart, but her impressive TV audience and more than eight million followers on Twitter, to raise awareness and support for this effort,” Clinton said. “I know we can look forward to many contributions from Ellen and her loyal fans across the globe.”

DeGeneres said she was honored by the offer.

“The fight against AIDS is something that has always been close to my heart. And I’m happy that I can use my platform to educate people and spread hope.”