Green Bay native head of National Catholic AIDS Network By Anna Krejci News-Chronicle When Daniel T. Lunney of Green Bay began his undergraduate education at St. Norbert College he had not made a decision to help people with HIV/AIDS, but said he eventually saw a strong connection between his interest in social justice issues and HIV/AIDS prevention. Lunney, 36, was recently appointed as executive director of the National Catholic AIDS Network in Chicago. In 1996 he graduated from St. Norbert with a masters degree in theological studies. Lunney's full-time responsibilities as executive director will begin in January and he is excited for the challenge. "When you are dealing with HIV/AIDS you are dealing with a lot of peace and justice issues," he said. "HIV/AIDS is at the crossroads of so many issues." There are larger, systemic problems that need attention when it comes to solving the AIDS epidemic. According to Lunney, racism, sexism and distribution of medical resources are just some of the broader issues that complicate HIV/AIDS prevention. The U.S. is facing a new age of living with HIV/AIDS that is characterized by less AIDS-related deaths and more breakthroughs in science that are helping people live longer. "The reality is more people are living with HIV/AIDS than ever before," he said. While one goal of the National Catholic AIDS Network is to ensure that the leadership of the Catholic church and its members keep HIV/AIDS issues on the agenda. Currently the network is updating decade-old curriculum for youth, parents and religious educators on HIV/AIDS and the Catholic Church. Lunney sees the biggest challenge of the job ahead of him, and the biggest challenge facing NCAN as not letting the issue escape the public eye. "HIV touches a lot of us and bringing that out in the open is an important thing to do," Lunney said. His goal is helping individuals make healthy decisions that do not put them at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS and helping those who have already tested positive for HIV/AIDS to live as comfortable a life as possible. He wants people living with HIV/AIDS to be seen and to be able to see themselves "in the image and likeness of God." Before being appointed as executive director, Lunney served as chaplain in Oak Park, Illinois and at AIDS Pastoral Care Network in Chicago. As a chaplain he provides companionship for people in what he said are some of the most intimate moments, times of illness or of facing death. He witnesses the hardships people face, but he recognizes the rewards of being a chaplain. He said as a chaplain the reward is being instrumental in peoples' transition from difficult experiences to those where one finds peace and life, even when facing death.