Saint Louis Effort for AIDS and the AIDS Resource Center Announce Merger
The merger enhances and expands programs and services for people at risk and living with HIV in St. Louis
September 27, 2018—Today the AIDS Resource Center announced a merger with Saint Louis Effort for AIDS (EFA). The merger will enhance and expand programs and services for people at risk and living with HIV in St. Louis by bringing the HIV Medical Home to the area. The HIV Medical Home is an integrated model of health and social services that helps people living with HIV live long, healthy and full lives while reducing costs.
“EFA has a long-standing history in St. Louis of providing strong HIV prevention programs and services for people living with HIV,” said Michael J. Gifford, president, and CEO of the AIDS Resource Center. “We are excited to join forces with them to expand services to the people of St. Louis. In January 2019 we will offer primary and HIV medical care, a mental health program, pharmacy, and critical social services that will work hand-in-hand with people living with HIV in and around St. Louis.”
In recent years, EFA has seen an increase in the demand for its programs and services as a record number of people are living with HIV. In St. Louis, there are 6145 people living with HIV; however, only 50 percent are regularly engaged in care according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), Bureau of Reportable Disease Informatics.
“This merger will allow us to offer a new model of care to people living with HIV in St. Louis while also helping us better prevent new HIV infections, reduce AIDS-related deaths, stigma and other barriers to testing, care and treatment,” said Tawnya Brown, the new vice president of operations for the AIDS Resource Center who has 20 years of experience in HIV healthcare. “Additionally, through our partnership with Washington University and other organizations, we will make sure more people with HIV in St. Louis have access to all the HIV care and treatment they need to achieve viral suppression and optimal health.”
The merged organizations also announced their success in securing a $1.7 million grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health. The grant funds will aid in the success of the merger and help in the development and operation of the HIV Medical Home in St. Louis.
“This merger is exciting news for the City of St. Louis and we look forward to working with the AIDS Resource Center to help improve the health of our neighbors living with and at-risk for HIV,” said Mayor Lyda Krewson. “Their model of providing quality healthcare, pharmacy access, social services, and prevention will be a great addition to the outstanding network of organizations currently providing care.”
The merger marks the twelfth location—between three states, Wisconsin, Colorado and now Missouri—for the AIDS Resource Center and was effective September 1. Gifford will continue to serve as president and CEO of the merged organization that will continue to operate in St. Louis under the name Effort for AIDS.
“Mike Gifford and I made dozens of presentations to key stakeholders on the benefits that an HIV Medical Home will mean for people living with HIV in the St. Louis metropolitan region. Each interaction helped forge genuine trust and respect for the work we look forward to doing as one organization,” said Cheryl Oliver, retired EFA Executive Director. “The clear message of optimism for enhanced services, a valuable spirit of collaboration, and dedication to delivering the best possible outcomes for people living with or at risk of being infected with HIV make this merger a clear win for our community.”
Patients, clients, and others seeking information on the merger should visit stlefa.org.
AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin
The AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin (ARCW) is a nationally-recognized and respected leader in the fight against AIDS. The organization is known for its high-quality patient outcomes for people living with HIV. ARCW operates the only HIV Medical Home in America recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. The ARCW HIV Medical Home offers integrated health and social services, including medical, dental, mental health and pharmaceutical services, along with case management and social support provided by a team of professionals dedicated to patient care. ARCW is also a leading provider of innovative and aggressive prevention services that help at-risk individuals remain HIV negative. The organization operates in three states, including Wisconsin, Colorado, and Missouri, and has 12 locations. To learn more about ARCW, please visit arcw.org, and the organization’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
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