AID Atlanta, Inc. has been saving and transforming lives since its inception in 1982.
It was founded as a “grass-roots” response to the devastating and fatal impact HIV/AIDS was having on the Atlanta community. AID Atlanta quickly began expanding to offer a broad range of services and has since grown to be the Southeast’s oldest, largest, most comprehensive AIDS Service Organization.
The mission of AID Atlanta is to reduce new HIV infections and improve the quality of life of its members and the community by breaking barriers and building community. Client programs and services account for 86% of the organization’s expenses, according to Cathy Woolard, interim executive director.
“AID Atlanta has proven itself the leader in the fight against the AIDS epidemic in metro Atlanta,” said Woolard, also a former president of Atlanta City Council.
AID Atlanta offers comprehensive HIV prevention education programs designed to reduce the number of new HIV infections and help people live longer healthier lives. The agency has tested 6,814 people for HIV and facilitated linkage to medical care for 92% of the people who tested positive (152 newly diagnosed individuals). AID Atlanta facilitates 13 distinct prevention programs, each targeting a specific at-risk population. The organization also manages the Georgia AIDS and STD info-line which fielded over 15,000 calls in 2012.
AID Atlanta’s Client Services has helped more than 3,000 people to improve health outcomes as measured by reduced viral loads and higher CD4 counts[1], the two key indicators of health for those who are HIV-positive. Success is demonstrated with 54% of case-managed clients having viral loads below levels of detection, compared to the national average of 19%, and a 98% customer satisfaction rating. This is accomplished by offering a comprehensive suite of programs designed to work in concert with one another to increase health, provide basic needs, address mental health issues, and improve quality of life. As the sole provider of HIV medical case management services in the metro Atlanta area, AID Atlanta’s case managers are strategically placed at 17 easy-to-access locations throughout the 20-county metro area and ensure immediate linkage to, and long-term retention in, primary medical care.
AID Atlanta has provided primary medical care and HIV treatment regimens to those who are HIV-positive allowing 358 atients to remain healthy longer. Success is demonstrated with 83 percent of clients having viral loads below levels of detection. Providing services to those most in need, those who are under- or uninsured and living very near or under the poverty level, the clinic offers primary medical care in an environment where medical providers and patients collaborate to develop comprehensive plans to achieve and maintain optimal health. The array of services includes: primary medical care, medications and antiretroviral therapy, ancillary services, and access to clinical trials.
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