Mission & History
Los Angeles-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is a global organization providing cutting-edge medicine and advocacy to over 100,000 people in 22 countries. We are the largest provider of HIV/AIDS medical care in the U.S.
A truly independent voice in our mission to rid the world of AIDS, AHF’s operating capital comes from our own self-created social enterprises. AHF Pharmacies, thrift stores, healthcare contracts and other strategic partnerships generate funding that helps AHF provide medical and advocacy services across the globe.
Generating and defining new, innovative ways of treatment, prevention and advocacy is the hallmark of our success. We are currently leading a mass testing initiative to identify and treat the 25 million people who don’t know they are infected. By advocating big goals – aiming to see an unprecedented 1 billion people tested each year – AHF hopes to eliminate older, more time-consuming methods.
Since 1987, AHF has cared for thousands of people living with HIV and AIDS worldwide. As we create and implement unparalleled programs in new communities in the U.S. and abroad, we expand delivery of healthcare and influence over policy with the sole aim of saving more lives.
June 1987
AIDS Hospice Forms
With patients dying on the streets of Los Angeles, a small group of activists commit themselves to “fight for the living and care for the dying.”
December 1988
Chris Brownlie Hospice
Legislation sponsored by AIDS Hospice Foundation enables the creation of the first licensed HIV/AIDS facility for the terminally ill in California. The hospice is named after Chris Brownlie, a gay political activist, person living with AIDS and cofounder of AHF.
July 1990
Name Change
“AIDS Hospice Foundation” becomes “AIDS Healthcare Foundation” in response to the growing need for ongoing medical care for people with AIDS.
October 1990
Out of the Closet®
The first Out of the Closet Thrift Store opens in Atwater Village. Revenue from the sales of donated goods funds patient care. AHF goes on to open 20 stores, which become the nation’s biggest retail fundraiser for HIV medical care.
January 1991
AHF Healthcare Center
The first AHF Healthcare Center opens in Hollywood at Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center. The network grows to include 18 centers across California, Florida and Washington, D.C.
October 1992
Carl Bean House
AHF’s second hospice opens in the historic West Adams district of Los Angeles.
Winter 1995
Linn House
AHF’s third hospice opens in West Hollywood.
April 1995
Positive Healthcare
In response to cumbersome bureaucracy and fragmented medical care, AHF launches Positive Healthcare, the nation’s first capitated managed care program for people with HIV.
Winter 1996
“The Cocktail”
The major breakthrough in treatment brings new hope for people with HIV. AHF begins supplying protease inhibitors to patients, with no guarantees of reimbursement.
July 1997
WEHO Lounge
AHF’s Treatment = Life program opens the WEHO Lounge in West Hollywood, the nation’s first combination coffeehouse and HIV testing site.
November 1997
START Program Launches
Congresswoman Maxine Waters announces a $1 million federal allocation for AHF’s Success Through Anti-Retroviral Treatment program to maximize adherence to anti-HIV medications.
October 1998
Housing Vigil
AHF hosts a two-day vigil as $13 million in allocated federal funds to house people with AIDS in Los Angeles goes unspent.
August 1999
Managed Care in Florida
Florida and AHF sign the nation’s largest disease management contract, for the care of thousands of Florida Medicaid recipients living with AIDS.
July 2000
Durban AIDS Conference
AHF executives attend the International AIDS Conference in Durban, South Africa, and join with local activists to test and treat South African residents. In 2001, AHF Global is launched.
November 2000
Magic Johnson Healthcare Center
AHF opens the Oakland healthcare center, the first to bear the name of NBA basketball great Earvin “Magic” Johnson.
AHF Pharmacy
The first AHF Pharmacy opens in AHF’s Downtown Los Angeles Healthcare Center.
2001
Prevention Blitz
AHF works to require bars in West Hollywood to make condoms available to patrons, and advocates for bathhouses to provide testing for HIV and other STDs.
2002
First Global Clinic Opens
The Ithembalabantu “People’s Hope” Clinic opens in the poor community of Umlazi in Durban, South Africa. Today, the clinic cares for over 10,000 clients.
2003
Campaign Saves Over 1,200
AHF launches the $300 Saves a Life campaign, highlighting the amount needed to treat a person with HIV in the poorest countries for one year. The campaign, now known as Treatment Saves Lives, goes on to raise over $400,000.
May 2004
First HIV Medics Graduate
The first class completes AHF’s HIV Medics program. The 24 medical laypeople, and the trainees who follow them, are able to serve as extenders of HIV care in regions where resources are limited.
2006
Toronto AIDS Conference
AHF attends the International AIDS Conference in Toronto. For the first time since the epidemic began 25 years ago, there are fewer deaths and new infections than the year before.
October 2008
Blair Underwood Lends Support
Actor and AIDS activist Blair Underwood urges everyone – HIV positive or not – to fill their prescriptions with AHF Pharmacy. In 2009, the Blair Underwood Healthcare Center opens – AHF’s first center in Washington, D.C.
June 2009
HIV Testing Tour
The Magic Johnson HIV Testing Caravan visits 14 cities in three weeks, raising awareness about the importance and ease of regular HIV testing while performing 727 tests. A six-month, 48-state tour follows in 2010.
2010 – 2011
ADAP in Jeopardy
As pharmaceutical companies’ profits trend upward and budgets across the U.S. shrink, AHF organizes “die-ins” and advocacy campaigns to fight against the AIDS Drug Assistance Program’s rising costs and long wait lists.
Annual Reports
Download a copy of each of our Annual Reports by clicking on the PDF links below:
Financial Reports
Download a copy of each of our Financial Reports by clicking on the PDF links below:
AHF Financial Report 2009-2010
AHF Financial Report 2008-2009 (Coming Soon.)
AHF Financial Report 2007-2008
AHF Financial Report 2006-2007
