Philly Establishes City's First Spanish-Speaking HIV Clinic

On Nov. 21 in the City Hall Caucus Room, City Councilwomen Maria Qui�ones-S�nchez and Marian Tasco announced the establishment of Clinica Bienestar, Philadelphia's first HIV clinic specifically for the Spanish-speaking community, in partnership with Philadelphia FIGHT, Prevention Point Philadelphia, and the Norris Square Civic Association.

"I am so proud to be a part of the announcement of this historic event," said Qui�ones-S�nchez, who represents District 7, where the new Clinica Bienestar is located.

The clinic is funded by a recently announced five-year SPNS grant (Special Projects of National Significance) administered by the Department of Health and Human Services.

"We are pleased to be initiating this very important project which will be offering the highest quality of care to a community that has been underserved," said Jane Shull, Philadelphia FIGHT's Executive Director. "We thank Councilwomen Qui�ones-Sanchez and Tasco for their efforts in gaining community support for this culturally responsive clinical collaboration serving HIV-infected individuals."

Philadelphia FIGHT will support the primary care clinic with their extensive medical, case management and social services.

"The clinic creates additional opportunities for those newly infected with HIV or lost to access medical care and other support services in the Latino community. We are excited to be partners with FIGHT on this project," said Prevention Point Philadelphia Executive Director Jos� Benitez.

Councilwoman Tasco, Chair of the City Council Public Health and Human Services Committee, remarked, "This is a watershed moment for our city and a huge step forward in addressing the health challenges facing many Philadelphians."

Philadelphia FIGHT provides state of the art, culturally competent primary medical care, consumer education, advocacy, social services, outreach to adults and youth living with HIV and to those who are at high risk, and access to the most advanced clinical research. Each year FIGHT reaches over 8,000 individuals through its education and outreach efforts and treats over 1,500 people with HIV at the Jonathan Lax Treatment Center. FIGHT's goal is to end the AIDS epidemic within the lifetime of those currently living with HIV.