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NON-PROFIT AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Acquires Wohlfeiler, Piperato & Associates Making a Difference Words by Matthew Weeks Did you know three years ago, there were over 500,000 people living with AIDS and more than 680,000 people living with HIV in the US? Within the Sunshine State alone (a top five state for this illness), there were 50,000 people diagnosed with AIDS and 90,000 diagnosed with HIV (FDH, 2009). What's even scarier is 40% of people who get tested but test too late, eventually progress to AIDS within a year of being diagnosed with HIV. Therefore, with abysmal statistics like those, it's no surprise AIDS and HIV remain among the top causes of death in America. You'd think AIDS and HIV's appalling statistics would catalyze staggering amounts of exposure. But sadly, it doesn't. Besides being highlighted with red ribbons in marathons or nestled on blazers at charity events, when is the last time you turned on your TV and heard anything about this illness? I realize most people adore Tom Hanks in Philadelphia, but that film first appeared twenty years ago. In my opinion, I'm not even confident the average American can define AIDS or HIV. Just in case you can't, AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and HIV means Human Immunodeficiency Virus. You can thank me later for informing you on the 21st century's major crisis. Fortunately, for individuals with this disease, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) exists. Co-founded by Michael Weinstein in 1987, AHF is an international institution that has tested millions of people and saved more than 160,000 lives. As one of the largest non-profit medical care organizations in the world, their principal focus is to eradicate this epidemic. Furthermore, since AHF's birth, Weinstein's vision has always been to provide "cutting- edge medicine and advocacy regardless of one's ability to pay" (AHF, 2012). At the moment, this $300-million foundation caters state-of-the-art medical care to more than 123,000 people. 82 MIAMI LIVING Isentress and Selzentry). With over 15 years of involvement in the treatment of AIDS and HIV, it's safe to say AHF has made a solid investment in saving lives for years to come. Lastly, AIDS and HIV As America's largest AIDS organization, AHF operates several outpatient centers, pharmacies, research units and disease management programs; most notably in California, Florida and Washington, DC. Additionally, ten years ago, AHF introduced AHF Global: a program that provides antiretroviral therapies to third-world countries. What's even more remarkable is that these phenomenal acts of generosity are funded entirely through donations. Despite the economic meltdown in 2008 – where people's wallets were crumbling in their pockets, Weinstein spearheaded Out of the Closet (the largest AIDS-related retail business) to continuously finance the growing medical costs of AIDS and HIV treatments. Smart idea, right? Let's just say Whittier College agreed. They awarded him an honorary doctorate for his collective trail of impressive career achievements. AHF doesn't care if you're insured or uninsured, white or black, male or female. They pride themselves on offering the finest AIDS and HIV care to anyone who walks in their doors (e.g. Positive Healthcare). In fact, their scientific team conducts the latest trials for developing effective treatments for patients' quality of life. Most recently, Weinstein led AHF to acquire Wohlfeiler, Piperato & Associates in large part because of their nationally recognized Research Department. Working hand-in-hand with pharmaceutical companies, they've made significant splashes in the future of HIV medications (e.g. Prezista, Intelence, affect more than 33 million people (CDCP, 2009). It's not only them who are affected but also their families, friends and coworkers. Therefore, if you haven't done so already, go get tested. It could very well save your life. ML For Additional Information: AIDS Healthcare Foundation 6255 W Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90028 Phone: (323) 860-5200 Web: aidshealth.org Positive Healthcare – Florida 110 SE 6 St, Ste 1960 Ft Lauderdale, FL 33301 Phone: (954) 522-3132 Web: positivehealthcare.net Out of the Closet Thrift Store Various South FL Locations (Ft Lauderdale, Miami, Wilton Manors) Web: outofthecloset.org Wohlfeiler, Piperato & Associates 1613 Alton Rd Miami Beach, FL 33139 Phone: (305) 538-1400 Web: wpamedical.com Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1600 Clifton Rd Atlanta, GA 30333 Phone: (800) 232-4636 Web: cdc.gov Florida Department of Health 2585 Merchants Row Blvd Tallahassee, FL 32399 Phone: (850) 245-4300 Web: doh.state.fl.us