FORT MYERS, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Island Coast AIDS Network (ICAN) has entered into merger discussions with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF). Both AIDS organizations serve HIV-positive clients with a wide variety of free services that range from case management to medical care. AHF is a global organization that provides cutting edge medicine and advocacy to more than 135,000 people in 26 countries. It is the largest provider of HIV/AIDS medical care in the United States. ICAN serves over 400 clients and their families in six counties in Southwest Florida by providing vital social services, food, transportation and HIV/AIDS/STDs education/ prevention.
“Both AHF and ICAN were founded in 1987 when the AIDS epidemic was claiming the lives of thousands of men and women across the country and drugs to control the virus were new and experimental,” said Mike Kahane, Southern Bureau Chief for AIDS Healthcare Foundation. “Both organizations share a common mission to stop the spread of HIV and advocate for the rights and needs of individuals with HIV and AIDS to be treated compassionately, fairly and without judgment.”
“The pending merger of ICAN and AHF will bring many enhancements to the care and well being of individuals in Southwest Florida living with HIV by providing free testing services, pharmacy services, a healthcare center and mobile clinic, case management and ancillary support services for clients and their families,” added Carolyn Moore, Executive Director of the Island Coast AIDS Network.
Island Coast AIDS Network, Inc. (ICAN) is dedicated to a vital mission "to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS and assist individuals infected and affected in Southwest Florida. ICAN has been serving the social service needs of HIV/AIDS infected individuals since 1987. ICAN provides HIV/AIDS education and prevention services to the wider community in continuing the fight to eliminate new infections. ICAN advocates for the rights and needs of individuals with HIV/AIDS to be treated compassionately, fairly and without judgment. Donations and volunteers are always needed and appreciated. http://www.icanswfl.org
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organization, currently provides medical care and services to more than 135,000 individuals in 26 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific region and Eastern Europe. www.aidshealth.org
In FLORIDA, AHF serves more than 15,000 Floridians living with HIV/AIDS through a variety of programs, including free HIV testing and prevention programs; HIV/AIDS health care centers located in Ft. Lauderdale, Miami and Jacksonville, eight AHF Pharmacies located throughout the state, a statewide disease management program; and its Positive Healthcare Managed Care program.