Joseph D. McKee, the former executive director of AIDS Project Worcester, Inc. passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 25, 2012. A native of Ireland, Mr. McKee grow up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A graduate of La Salle University, earning his master’s degree in psychology. He served in various roles at AIDS Project Worcester for 17 years, at one pointed recruited by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to train as a field epidemiologist specializing in sexually transmitted diseases.
APW and central Massachusetts are not alone in the benefits from his passion and hard work, he was a global force of knowledge and experience. As a tireless advocate of the disenfranchised and marginalized groups, he leverages his resources to help around the world. During his last several years, APW under McKee’s leadership provided training for medical providers and members of non-governmental organizations from several countries including Tajikistan, South Africa, Russia, Iran and Ukraine on HIV/AIDS service provision and related topics. A major crowning jewel from these efforts was the opening of a regional training center in Cherkassy, Ukraine supported by Clinton Foundation in 2006.
He was repeatedly recognized for his policy work and advocacy concerning HIV/AIDS, human rights, and social justice issues. On three occasions he was the recipient of commendations from the commissioners of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and two commendations from the director of the HIV/AIDS Bureau, Massachusetts Department of Public Health. He was awarded the AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts, Community Recognition Award for his AIDS work and the Central Massachusetts Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union award for service to the people of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and an award from the Cherkassy Women’s Center, Cherkassy, Ukraine for AIDS work in their region.
McKee was a beloved colleague, leader, mentor, and friend to so many. His easy smile and laughter, his fierce advocacy for those with no voice, his compassion and humanitarianism live on in the Joe McKee Care Center at APW. The Joe McKee Care Center is a tribute to his dream, for APW to becoming a hub for community-based health and preventive services.