History

Although many things have changed since we opened our doors, one thing is constant: we are driven by the unique personal story of every person we are honored to serve.

1985

AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin (ARCW) is incorporated; St. Louis Effort for AIDS is founded (EFA), Madison AIDS Support Network is founded.

1986

Wisconsin’s 100th case of AIDS is reported.

1987

The U.S. FDA approves the drug Azidothymidine (AZT) to fight AIDS. Annual cost is $8,000 per patient.

First Make a Promise Gala fundraising event is held.

AIDS Services of Austin opened.

1989

EFA begins case management, ARCW opens its first food pantry.

1990

Inaugural AIDS Walk Wisconsin.

1991

ARCW Legal Assistance Program is launched.

1992

EFA initiates direct client services program.

1993

First Wisconsin merger of two AIDS Service Organizations (ASO) completed between ARCW and Eau Claire AIDS service organization.

1994

Lifepoint Needle Exchange program debuts in Milwaukee; First Dining Out For Life event held in St. Louis.

1995

First Jolly Holly Folly fundraiser.

1996

ARCW dental clinic opens; completes merger with Center Project in Green Bay and Appleton, Wisconsin.

1997

ARCW begins drug treatment program.

1998

EFA offers HIV testing on-site.

1999

ARCW mergers with La Crosse AIDS Service Organization, Central Wisconsin AIDS Network (Wausau) and Northern AIDS Network (Superior) are completed.

2001

ARCW opens first medical clinic.

2003

EFA begins first mobile testing program in St. Louis.

2004

EFA dramatically expands mental health programs.

2007

ARCW becomes largest provider of medical care to people with HIV in Wisconsin.

2009

Rocky Mountain CARES (RMC) is founded and initiates case management services.

2012

ARCW opens first HIV-specialty pharmacy in Wisconsin.

2013

ARCW earns first designation in US as an HIV-dedicated, patient-centered Medical Home from the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; RMC opens HIV specialty pharmacy.

2014

EFA begins offering and coordinating insurance enrollment programs under the ACA for Missouri.

2015

ARCW merges with AIDS Network in Madison, WI.

2017

Rocky Mountain CARES merger finalized.

2018

St. Louis Effort for AIDS merger announced.

2019

Vivent Health name and brand unveiled nationwide.

2020

Vivent Health merges with AIDS Services of Austin.

2021

Vivent Health and Thrive Health Connection (Kansas City, MO) merge.

2023

Vivent Health and TPAN (Test Positive Awareness Network) merge.

2024

Vivent Health and UNIFIED (Detroit, MI) merge.