WASHINGTON -- The National Youth Advocacy Coalition expressed deep sadness today after the passing of Keith Yamaguchi, leader of the partnerships team for the Capacity Building Branch at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yamaguchi died in Atlanta on September 14 at the age of 49.

Isaiah Webster III, director of communications for NYAC, issued the following statement today:

"Mr. Yamaguchi was a devoted ally for NYAC within the CDC and we will miss working with him a great deal. His career at the CDC speaks for itself as far as his commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS. Our thoughts and best wishes are with Keith's friends and family; and also with his colleagues within the Capacity Building Branch."

Yamaguchi had worked for the CDC since 1998. NYAC receives funding through the Capacity Building Branch at CDC for its You Know Different social marketing campaign, which encourages youth to get tested for HIV.