New York City AIDS service organization Housing Works’ announced a merger between its new Access to Care department and AIDS Treatment Data Network (ATDN), a treatment, research, advocacy and information clearinghouse. The alliance will allow both groups to better serve people living with HIV and hepatitis C while pushing for expanded access to care for both groups.

Under this agreement, announced January 7, ATDN will retain its identity. Its director Ken Fornataro will head the agency’s E-Access to Care program, which will continue providing information on treatment access to people living with HIV and hepatitis C nationwide as well as getting people into care online and through national toll-free numbers. Fornataro will also oversee Housing Works’ expanded advocacy and community organizing efforts around access to care.

“As the country grapples with health care reform, it is essential that people living with HIV and hepatitis C have a voice,” Housing Works president and CEO Charles King said in a statement. “Working with Ken and ATDN will not only allow us to expand our services here in the New York area but also give us greater opportunity to participate in national health care changes.”