Leadership Letter

AS A LEADER IN THE FIGHT AGAINST HIV, we carry the responsibility for setting the standard of care for Central Texans impacted by HIV. Since our grassroots beginnings as the Austin AIDS Project, we have maintained a steadfast commitment to the health of our clients. Keeping their health in focus and the end of the epidemic in sight has led us to where we are today, so close to crossing the finish line.

ASA has never been about remaining the same. When the chance presents itself to enhance and broaden access to care for those we serve, we have always seized upon that opportunity. When Paul Clover believed we could establish an organization that would care for people with AIDS, we did that together. When we had the opportunity to establish the only dental clinic in Central Texas that specialized in HIV, we did that together. When we had the chance to open our doors to comprehensive and life-affirming medical care, we did that together too.

Today we find ourselves with a new opportunity, one that gets us closer to crossing the finish line in the fight against AIDS. That opportunity is a partnership with an organization that mirrors our history, our level of care, and our commitment and dedication to our client’s health. That partner is Vivent Health.

In Vivent we found a kindred spirit, a nonprofit AIDS Service Organization, and the only Certified Medical Home in the country for HIV. We have done extensive due diligence in exploring this partnership and believe Vivent can be a catalyst in expanding the integrated care model you have helped us build over the last 33 years. ASA remains a strong, healthy organization, and over the next four to five years we could grow on our own to address the needs of the 1,000+ people living with HIV who are not in care. But we do not believe our community can wait that long. STRONGER TOGETHER.

We believe those in need deserve access to lifeaffirming care now. Together with Vivent, we can make that happen sooner. Partnering with Vivent means investments in infrastructure for current services and expediting the expansion of programs and services for communities most at need. The partnership would expand and increase access to our integrated health model and engage more patients in care. Most importantly, our patients and clients will have even better access to life-affirming care that addresses multiple social determinants of health (housing, case management, food and nutrition, legal, social support, behavioral health and more) to optimize health outcomes and achieve viral suppression.

This opportunity is the right choice for our patients, clients, and the community. We will be stronger together. Your support, and every donation will always stay local and only serve Central Texas. We will continue to be a Texas nonprofit under our current 501c3. Our local leadership and ASA staff will remain in place. And legacy programs such as the Women Rising Project and The Q will continue their amazing work. Our name will change, but our focus on our clients and those impacted by HIV never will. With Vivent, and with you, we can cross the finish line and truly win the fight against HIV. Together.

Thank you for your continued generosity, investment, and stewardship of our work, and most importantly, for your continued support of our clients, patients, and Central Texans impacted by HIV.

- Paul E. Scott, CEO & Noel Landuyt, Board Chairs