Defying Odds Since 1984!

Racism, homophobia, and transphobia make the work at AHP as vital now, as it was forty years ago. In 1984, in the early days of the AIDS epidemic, a group of concerned mental health practitioners founded the AIDS Health Project; their mission was to help the people and their loved ones who were suffering from the terror, uncertainty, loneliness, and grief associated with this new, devastating disease. The homophobia and AIDS phobia targeting the community in those days increased the desolation for those fighting for their lives and propelled our founders to do everything they could to care for and strengthen those affected.  

Throughout the years, including a name and mission change, AHP has grown and expanded to agilely meet the needs of LGBTQ+  community members living with and at risk for HIV/AIDS. As the epidemic has changed, we have changed, by building programs, hiring staff, and developing services to respond to the changing needs of our community. AHP has been a bedrock of advocacy, to our clients, the community, and our funders.
 
We are fortunate to have a rich and storied history and as we contemplate that history, we look toward the future with purpose and determination. A lot has changed in forty years but LGBTQ+ people are facing a backlash of conservatism with a record number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills (over 500) being introduced in the US in 2023. These attacks lead to social stigma, societal discrimination, violence, and psychological distress among our community members. 

At AHP, we insist on providing a safe harbor for our clients, one that is responsive to the behavioral health needs of LGBTQ+ folks with low incomes in San Francisco. As we integrate the visions of Will Hua, PhD and Braulio Garcia, LCSW, our new Director and Deputy Director, who envision continuing to see clients at our clinic while creating more flexible avenues to care for those who struggle to come to the clinic due to social, economic, cultural, and stigma-related barriers. We will continue to advocate for funding and hope to one day see the end of the HIV epidemic by “getting to zero” infections, deaths, and stigma. We envision a future where there is no stigma to receiving mental health treatment, where it is as ordinary as seeing a dentist. We are committed to building a world where each LGBTQ+ person receives the dignity, acceptance, love, and care they deserve.

While our future unfolds, we look forward to partnering with each of you. Our campaign, "Defying Odds Since 1984" embodies the resilience, commitment, and unwavering dedication to expanding emotional, behavioral, and mental health services to the LGBTQ+ community and those living with, and at risk for HIV. Today, we do this while living the values of care, commitment, diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging to ensure all BIPOC and other underserved populations can access our care. 

Thank you for your continued support.