MEGA LOCAL AGENCIES AHF AND SUNSERVE MERGE

John Hayden

Negotiations went on quietly for months, and the implementation quietly began at the start of the year. But the big, public announcement didn’t happen until March 18 at the AIDS Walk & Music Festival. AHF (AIDS Healthcare Foundation) has made SunServe its newest affiliate.

“This makes it easier for our clients to go from medical health services to mental health services,” SunServe CEO Tony Lima said.

The hope is that by becoming a part of AHF, both entities will benefit from what the other brings to the table. SunServe provides dozens of services throughout Broward County, including trans, youth, and addiction treatment. But the main focus benefit for AHF will be access to SunServe’s mental health services and vast network of clinicians.

“We’re at the forefront of healthcare, but we also need those wrap-around services. That’s part of our affiliation program that we run throughout the country,” Russell Walker, Deputy Chief of AHF’s southern bureau, said.

Lima said they believe the affiliation will let SunServe expand their mental health services, first into Palm Beach and MiamiDade counties and eventually throughout the state and possibly beyond.

“We become the mental health arm of AHF’s Southern Bureau in Florida.”

On The Move

SunServe clients will see some changes. After 17 years at its prominent spot on Wilton Drive, they will move into AHF’s facilities in downtown Fort Lauderdale. They are