About Us | Health Services Center

The AIDS Services Center (ASC) first opened its doors as an outpatient medical clinic for those persons infected with HIV/AIDS in December 1990. At that time, Dr. Barbara Hanna, the counselor, nurses, the director, and a host of others were all volunteering their valuable expertise to assist those in need of medical care. The area health department paid for a social worker to be in the clinic on the days when clients were seen. There was no federal or state funding. The Alabama Department of Public Health donated laboratory screenings and some medical supplies. The state drug reimbursement program and some pharmaceutical companies supplied medicines at no cost for those who had no ability to pay. Much was done to help many with comprehensive, quality, outpatient HIV medical care even though there was basically no money.

In 1991, ASC was awarded the Ryan White Title III (b) Early Intervention federal grant named for the young boy who died from AIDS a few years earlier. For the first time the medical clinic had enough money to pay salaries to its employees, purchase medicines, supplies, and expand our laboratory services. This money was not awarded without some qualifications, however. The medical clinic had to agree to obey a host of federal laws which govern non-profit organizations and was instructed as to how money could and could not be used. We are extremely fortunate to have received this funding continuously since 1991.

In 2002 the AIDS Services Center changed its name to Health Services Center. As the agency was growing and providing care in more rural areas, the stigma still associated with the word "AIDS" became clear. Although the agency could finally afford to pay monthly rent for outlying clinic sites, landlords were not willing to rent to the "AIDS" clinic. By changing our name to "Health Services Center" we were able to lease appropriate clinic sites in five rural areas. In addition, the name more closely represents the agency's goal of serving the total health care needs of our clients.

In the past several years HSC has received federal grants to support programs for adherence, palliative (or hospice) care, mental health and substance abuse treatment, outreach education, and housing.