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AIDS Institute, The
Date of Release: 10/21/2008
AIDS Institute, The
17 Davis Boulevard
Suite 403, USF College of Medicine
Tampa, FL 33687-6705
Main Phone: (813) 258-5929
Fax number: (813) 258-5939
Eligibility: Open
Area Served: Statewide
E-Mail address: gcopello@theaidsinstitute.org
Internet Site: http://www.theaidsinstitute.org
Program Description: The AIDS Institute (TAI) began as a grass roots community advocacy effort in the late 1980s. In 1992, this advocacy network became incorporated as Florida AIDS Action, a nonprofit organization. Over the past several years, TAI expanded its vision to become a leading national public policy research, advocacy, and education agency with offices in Miami, Tallahassee, Tampa, and Washington, DC. Affiliated with the Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine at the University of South Florida College of Medicine, The AIDS Institute remains focused on HIV/AIDS while incorporating work on related healthcare issues such as Hepatitis, as well as other infectious and chronic diseases. Public policy research is the foundation upon which the agency’s advocacy and education efforts are based. The research program includes analysis and interpretation of information about the AIDS pandemic, related health care issues, and the social impact of disease on society. Such research is critical to advocacy and education programs that positively impact prevention, treatment, and care services. The AIDS Institute’s Center for Public Policy Research and Ethics conducts and coordinates a range of studies with this goal in mind. Academic research and learning opportunities for students and interns are available through the agency. Education continues to play a key role in addressing the AIDS pandemic. Through a variety of programs, including the Center for Advocacy Training and the Healthcare Professions Network, the Department of Community Education provides consumers, providers, community members, agencies and professional associations with information, referral, training and technical assistance. The agency facilitates consultations, seminars, and briefings on a variety of issues. In recent years topics have included women’s healthcare, gay and bisexual men and HIV prevention, youth issues, faith communities and HIV, and the risks of substance use. The Volunteer Program is coordinated through Community Education. Volunteers play an important role in the mission of The AIDS Institute.
