Hadden, Stanley

Biography

Stanley Hadden was the senior advisor to California Senate President pro Tempore David Roberti on AIDS and gay rights issues. Hadden was one of the first people to respond to the AIDS crisis on the state level, thus, he became known as the "unofficial AIDS czar" of California, and one of the most important behind-the-scenes players in coordinating the State of California's response to the HIV epidemic.

Hadden was born in Topinabee, Michigan in 1956. He graduated from Inland Lakes High School in Indian River, Michigan in 1974. He immediately joined the United States Air Force and served from 1974 to 1978. Hadden began working for the Office of Senate President pro Tempore David Roberti in November of 1981.

Hadden was considered the California Legislature's staffs' top expert on AIDS policy. He authored or co-authored most of the AIDS-related legislation in California. Hadden's efforts included SB910 (1983) which created the California AIDS Advisory Committee, and SB2244 (1984) which required a statewide study and development of a plan for the provision of treatment, direct services and preventative health education. SB1251 (1985) promoted a comprehensive and coordinated approach to local AIDS programs and services. In 1991 AB1985, out of Jackie Spier's office, was named the Stan Hadden Memorial Bill. It required the early release of AIDS Drugs.

Hadden also played an important role in many other AIDS activities. He developed the One Stop Model Program in Sacramento known as CARES (Center AIDS Research, Education and Services). This program provides expert treatment and medical AIDS services to primarily indigent clients with the support and coordination of Sacramento hospitals. Hadden also coordinated philanthropic funding of over $2 million to various AIDS community organizations throughout the state and was a consultant to Canada, the World Health Organization and other U.S. states in developing health policies and community-based responses for AIDS related health care.

Hadden also served on boards and committees of a number of community organizations including the Sacrament AIDS Foundation, United Way, University of California Davis Medical Center, and City of Sacramento. He also appeared frequently on television and radio as a spokesperson on AIDS. Hadden was known for his work regarding AIDS-related legislation and his leadership role on state and local boards on AIDS policies and projects, but he also worked on numerous civil rights issues.

Stanley Hadden died of AIDS related complications on December 2, 1991. He was 35 years old.

From the guide to the Stanley Hadden Papers, 1983-1991, (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Historical Society)