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The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF)
opened its new Magic Johnson Healthcare Center at the Fort Worth AIDS Outreach
Center (AOC) on Aug. 13 and began client intake the next day. The Los
Angeles-based nonprofit operates clinics in four states and Washington, D.C.,
as well as 26 other countries.
AHF Regional Director Adam Ouderkirk
said the organization’s goal is to provide AIDS care where services are
lacking, not to compete with existing agencies.
AOC Executive Director Allan Gould
said the two organizations found they had similar philosophies. “We’re working
hand-in-hand,” he said. “We offer services they don’t offer, and they fulfill a
need we’ve had for some time.” He said the new clinic fills a void for some of
the clients of AIDS Services of Rural Texas, which closed last summer.
According to Gould, the clinic will benefit those in rural settings who are
uncomfortable discussing HIV with doctors who have limited HIV experience. “We
hope to relieve an overburdened and stressed-out system,” Gould added.
In conjunction with the clinic’s
opening, AHF’s “Condom Nation” 18-wheeler completed its 40-city, 25-state tour
in Fort Worth. The specially equipped big-rig tested 4,400 people, gave away 10
million condoms and provided safer-sex information, in conjunction with local partners.
AHF is close to opening another area
clinic - at Medical City in North Dallas, according to Ouderkirk. He also is
talking to groups in Austin and San Antonio, where he said there is a growing
need for services.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is
dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and
empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV
virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
