HIV research group ACRIA has acquired Love Heals, an organization specializing in HIV prevention among youth in New York City, according to an ACRIA press release.

Love Heals was founded in 1992 in memory of Alison Gertz, who died of AIDS-related illness in 1993 after contracting the virus at age 16. Before her death, Gertz became a national spokesperson for AIDS awareness and advocated for the sexual education of young people so that they could remain HIV negative.

ACRIA is based in New York and focuses on research and clinical trials as well as issues related to HIV and older adults.

“We are excited to integrate Love Heals’ much needed and highly successful work into our own,” said ACRIA executive director Benjamin Bashein in the press release. “Love Heals’ commitment to young people mirrors ours to older populations with HIV, and this synergy will allow us both to grow and thrive.… ACRIA’s joining forces with Love Heals allows us to fill gaps in HIV prevention strategies and provide a greater complement of programs and services to people of all ages with life-saving HIV prevention and health education.”

“Alison [Gertz] would be thrilled by this new opportunity for Love Heals,” said Dini von Mueffling, one of the organization’s cofounders and a friend of Gertz’s. “By teaming up with ACRIA, Love Heals will only increase her legacy and have a larger impact on the lives of young people in New York and beyond.”

Below is an ACRIA introductory video about its history and work.