AIDS Outreach Center

Description

In 1984, just three years after HIV was identified as the cause of AIDS, AIDS Outreach Center (AOC) was born out of the need to help those locally dealing with the life threatening illness. In the beginning, AOC was an all-volunteer organization made up of friends and family dedicated to comforting those dying from the disease and those working to combat the stigma of HIV/AIDS. With the advancement in medications in 1996, the mission and focus of the organization changed from end-of-life services to sustainability, manageability, and long-term care. As the landscape of the HIV/AIDS pandemic shifted to the management of a chronic illness, the need for services and types of services evolved. Today, with more than 30 employees, 300 dedicated volunteers and 1,600 clients from all races, genders, ages, and sexual identities, AOC operates numerous programs and teams aimed at preventing the spread of HIV through education and testing, introducing those newly diagnosed to medical treatment, and improving the quality of life for long-term survivors and their families. Our services include prevention, outreach, counseling, a nutrition center, nutritional counseling, a dental clinic, case management, health insurance assistance, transportation assistance, and youth programs.