AHF Dedicates Tacoma Healthcare Center and AHF Wellness Center
The health care center delivers cutting-edge medical care and services to patients living with HIV regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. The site also houses an AHF Wellness Center, offering free and confidential STD and HIV testing, counseling, and access to resources like PrEP and PEP.
'Our Tacoma AHF Healthcare and Wellness Centers have no waiting room, so patients are immediately escorted to treatment rooms and serviced from a centrally located provider workstation,' said Marcelino Alcorta, AHF Western Bureau Chief. 'The goal here is to maximize efficiency using this innovative patient-centered model to improve health outcomes and increase retention in care.'
AHF Tacoma
The AHF Tacoma Healthcare and Wellness Center offers welcoming, client-centered care designed to meet the evolving needs of Pierce County's most vulnerable residents. Core services include: Primary HIV Medical Care & Wellness Services, Medical Case Management & Care Coordination, Free Comprehensive HIV/STI Testing, Same-Day PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) for HIV prevention, and an on-site Wellness Center for walk-in sexual health support.
AHF Wellness Centers are a part of AHF's broader mission to provide comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and advocacy. AHF Tacoma also operates a Mobile Testing Unit that delivers free HIV/STI testing directly into the community—meeting clients where they are and eliminating barriers to access for those most in need.
Additional Supportive Services at AHF Tacoma
With funding from Washington State's Ryan White Part B program, AHF Tacoma provides wraparound services that address key social determinants of health. These services include: Medical Case Management – individualized treatment coordination, Food Vouchers – addressing nutritional needs, Linguistic Services – inclusive and culturally competent care, Housing Assistance – supporting housing stability for clients, Psychosocial Support – mental health and peer services, and Emergency Financial Assistance – for urgent, short-term needs.
These services are particularly critical for clients experiencing compounding vulnerabilities, including LGBTQIA+ individuals facing stigma, housing insecurity, and limited access to affirming healthcare.
Washington State HIV and STIs (2023)
In 2023, over 39,000 people were newly diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in the United States. In Washington state, 421 people were newly diagnosed (rate of 5.4 per 100,000 population) and for Tacoma city, Pierce County, 60 people were diagnosed (rate of 6.4 per 100,000 population) in that same time period [A].
14,873 people are living with HIV in Washington state, 12,803 are engaged in care (86%), and 11,711 have achieved viral suppression (79%) [A]. In Pierce County, 1,694 people are living with HIV which is 11% of all people living with HIV in the state. 1,385 are engaged in care (82%), and 1,239 have achieved viral suppression (73%). Pierce is the county with the second highest HIV prevalence and new diagnoses after King County (Seattle) in Washington.
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the world's largest HIV/AIDS healthcare organization, provides cutting-edge medicine and advocacy to more than 2.4 million individuals across 48 countries, including the U.S. and in Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region, and Eastern Europe. In January 2025, AHF received the MLK, Jr. Social Justice Award, The King Center's highest recognition for an organization leading work in the social justice arena. To learn more about AHF, visit us online at AIDShealth.org, find us on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Wire
21 minutes ago
- Business Wire
O'Neill Vintners & Distillers Launch Catalyst Energy Drink, Entering the Functional Beverage Market
LARKSPUR, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- O'Neill Vintners & Distillers, a Certified B Corporation, boldly enters the fast-growing functional beverage market with the launch of Catalyst, an energy drink designed for today's health-conscious consumer. This strategic expansion marks a pivotal moment for the family-owned organization, evolving its portfolio beyond wine and spirits to enter the intersection of energy drinks and functional beverage. Catalyst is entering this market to meet evolving consumer preferences for healthier, great-tasting energy drinks that combine moderate caffeine with low-to-no sugar and added natural vitamins and supplements. Share The U.S. functional beverage market is seeing strong growth, particularly in the energy and sports drinks categories, with the segment expanding by 15.4% this year. Catalyst is entering this market to meet evolving consumer preferences for healthier, great-tasting energy drinks that combine moderate caffeine with low-to-no sugar and added natural vitamins and supplements. Catalyst aligns with these preferences, offering 120mg of caffeine, 10 calories, zero sugar and no artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavors. Catalyst delivers sustained performance, without the sugar load or 'spike and crash' effect, through an innovative formula of premium nootropics that work synergistically to sharpen focus, enhance mental clarity, and sustain cognitive performance. Powered by plant-based caffeine and fortified with essential vitamins B12 and B6, Catalyst also supports elevated metabolism and natural energy production. 'Our goal with Catalyst is to offer an energy drink that doesn't compromise on health, flavor, or efficacy,' said Jeff O'Neill, Founder and CEO of O'Neill Vintners & Distillers. 'We're proud to introduce a product that embodies our commitment to innovation and quality.' Housed in a sleek, modern can, Catalyst is available in six flavors, SuperBerry, PomPower, Grapefruit Frost, Fruit Fusion, Citrus Spark and Orange Dream, at a competitive price of $32.99 for a 12-pack and $2.99 for a single 12-ounce can. Catalyst can be purchased online at or at select retailers. About O'Neill Vintners & Distillers O'Neill Vintners & Distillers, a Certified B Corporation, is a family-owned, vertically integrated wine and spirits company dedicated to crafting exceptional wines and spirits while setting a new standard for sustainability in the industry. Founded in 2004 by visionary Jeff O'Neill, the company has emerged as a true leader in environmental stewardship—proving that scale and sustainability can go hand in hand. O'Neill has earned some of the highest honors in the field, including B Corp Certification, Regenerative Organic Certified® status, and the prestigious Green Medal Leader Award from the California Wine Institute. These accolades reflect not only a deep commitment to regenerative farming and climate-smart practices, but also a bold vision for the future of wine and spirits. With winery estates in Sonoma and Paso Robles and a winery facility in Parlier, O'Neill's diverse portfolio includes Ram's Gate Winery, Robert Hall Winery, Line 39, Wines of Substance, FitVine Wine, Harken Chardonnay, Rabble Wine Company, Charles Woodson's Intercept, No. 209 Gin, and BrandyLab. To learn more, visit
Business Wire
21 minutes ago
- Business Wire
GSK begins shipping influenza vaccine doses for the 2025-26 flu season
PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GSK plc (LSE/NYSE: GSK) today announced it has started shipping doses of its trivalent seasonal influenza vaccines to US healthcare providers and pharmacies in preparation for the 2025-26 flu season. This immediately follows a licensing and lot-release approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Both FLULAVAL and FLUARIX will be available in a 0.5mL, single-dose, pre-filled syringe and are indicated for people six months and older. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), annual influenza vaccination is the first and most important action recommended to reduce the risk of flu and its potentially serious outcomes. Ideally, vaccination should occur by the end of October, but people can continue to get vaccinated as long as the flu poses a threat. 1 CDC recommends an annual flu vaccination for anyone aged six months or older who does not have contraindications. 1,2 CDC estimates that from October 1, 2024, through May 17, 2025, there were 47 – 82 million flu illnesses, 610,000 – 1.3 million flu hospitalizations and 27,000 – 130,000 flu deaths. 3 The 2024-25 flu season was the first season since 2017-18 that the CDC classified as high severity, and preliminary CDC estimates indicate that it was the worst flu season (based on flu illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths) the US has seen in the last 15 years. 4,5 For egg-based influenza vaccines for the 2025-26 flu season in the Northern Hemisphere, the FDA's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) recommended including an A/Victoria/4897/2022 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus, an A/Croatia/10136RV/2023 (H3N2)-like virus and a B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus. 6 About Influenza The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild-to-severe illness and at times can lead to death. 7 Anyone, including healthy people, can get the flu, however, it can be more serious for children younger than five, adults 65 years and older, people with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 kg/m 2 or higher, pregnant women and people with pre-existing chronic health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease. 7 For more information about the flu, visit Indication for FLUARIX and FLULAVAL FLUARIX and FLULAVAL are vaccines indicated for active immunization for the prevention of disease caused by influenza A subtype viruses and type B virus contained in the vaccines. FLUARIX and FLULAVAL are approved for use in persons aged 6 months and older. Important Safety Information for FLUARIX and FLULAVAL Do not administer FLUARIX or FLULAVAL to anyone with a history of severe allergic reactions (eg, anaphylaxis) to any component of the vaccine, including egg protein, or following a previous dose of any influenza vaccine. If Guillain-Barré syndrome has occurred within 6 weeks of receipt of a prior influenza vaccine, the decision to give FLUARIX or FLULAVAL should be based on careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks. Syncope (fainting) can occur in association with administration of injectable vaccines, including FLUARIX and FLULAVAL. Procedures should be in place to avoid injury from fainting. Appropriate medical treatment must be immediately available to manage potential anaphylactic reactions following administration of FLUARIX and FLULAVAL. If FLUARIX or FLULAVAL is administered to immunosuppressed persons, including individuals receiving immunosuppressive therapy, the immune response may be lower than in immunocompetent persons. The most common solicited local adverse reactions with FLUARIX in adults were pain and redness, and the most common systemic adverse reactions were muscle aches, fatigue, and headache. In children aged 5 through 17 years, the most common solicited local adverse reactions were pain, redness, and swelling, and the most common systemic adverse reactions were muscle aches, fatigue, and headache. In children aged 3 through 4 years, the most common solicited local adverse reactions were pain, redness, and swelling, and the most common systemic adverse reactions were irritability, loss of appetite, and drowsiness. In children aged 6 through 35 months who received FLUARIX QUADRIVALENT, the most common solicited local adverse reactions were pain and redness, and the most common systemic adverse reactions were irritability, loss of appetite, and drowsiness. The most common solicited local adverse reactions with FLULAVAL in adults were pain, redness, and swelling, and the most common solicited systemic adverse reactions were fatigue, headache, and muscle aches/arthralgia. In children aged 3 through 17 years, the most common solicited local adverse reaction was pain. In children aged 3 through 4 years, the most common solicited systemic adverse reactions were irritability, drowsiness, and loss of appetite. In children aged 5 through 17 years, the most common solicited systemic adverse reactions were muscle aches, headache, and fatigue. In children aged 6 through 35 months who received FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT, the most common solicited local adverse reaction was pain, and the most common solicited systemic adverse reactions were irritability, drowsiness, and loss of appetite. Vaccination with FLUARIX or FLULAVAL may not result in protection of all vaccine recipients. Please see full Prescribing Information for FLUARIX and for FLULAVAL. About GSK GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together. Find out more at Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements GSK cautions investors that any forward-looking statements or projections made by GSK, including those made in this announcement, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those described under Item 3.D 'Risk factors' in GSK's Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2024. Registered in England & Wales: No. 3888792 References
Boston Globe
25 minutes ago
- Boston Globe
UN says if US funding for HIV programs is not replaced, millions more will die by 2029
Advertisement UNAIDS also said that it feared other major donors might also scale back their support, reversing decades of progress against AIDS worldwide — and that the strong multilateral cooperation is in jeopardy because of wars, geopolitical shifts and climate change. The $4 billion that the United States pledged for the global HIV response for 2025 disappeared virtually overnight in January when U.S. President Donald Trump ordered that all foreign aid be suspended and later moved to shutter the U.S. AID agency. Andrew Hill, an HIV expert at the University of Liverpool who is not connected to the United Nations, said that while Trump is entitled to spend U.S. money as he sees fit, 'any responsible government would have given advance warning so countries could plan,' instead of stranding patients in Africa when clinics were closed overnight. Advertisement The U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, was launched in 2003 by U.S. President George W. Bush, the biggest-ever commitment by any country focused on a single disease. UNAIDS called the program a 'lifeline' for countries with high HIV rates, and said that it supported testing for 84.1 million people, treatment for 20.6 million, among other initiatives. According to data from Nigeria, PEPFAR also funded 99.9% of the country's budget for medicines taken to prevent HIV. In 2024, there were about 630,000 AIDS-related deaths worldwide, per a UNAIDS estimate — the figure has remained about the same since 2022 after peaking at about 2 million deaths in 2004. Even before the U.S. funding cuts, progress against curbing HIV was uneven. UNAIDS said that half of all new infections are in sub-Saharan Africa and that more than 50% of all people who need treatment but aren't getting it are in Africa and Asia. Tom Ellman, of the charity Doctors Without Borders, said that while some poorer countries were now moving to fund more of their own HIV programs, it would be impossible to fill the gap left by the U.S. 'There's nothing we can do that will protect these countries from the sudden, vicious withdrawal of support from the U.S.,' said Ellman, director of Doctors Without Borders' South Africa Medical Unit. 'Within months of losing treatment, people will start to get very sick and we risk seeing a massive rise in infection and death.' Experts also fear another loss: data. The U.S. paid for most HIV surveillance in African countries, including hospital, patient and electronic records, all of which has now abruptly ceased, according to Dr. Chris Beyrer, director of the Global Health Institute at Duke University. Advertisement 'Without reliable data about how HIV is spreading, it will be incredibly hard to stop it,' he said. The uncertainty comes as a twice-yearly injectable could end HIV, as studies published last year showed that the drug from pharmaceutical maker Gilead was 100% effective in preventing the virus. Last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the drug, called Sunleca — a move that should have been a 'threshold moment' for stopping the AIDS epidemic, said Peter Maybarduk of the advocacy group Public Citizen. But activists like Maybarduk said Gilead's pricing will put it out of reach of many countries that need it. Gilead has agreed to sell generic versions of the drug in 120 poor countries with high HIV rates but has excluded nearly all of Latin America, where rates are far lower but increasing. 'We could be ending AIDS,' Maybarduk said. 'Instead, the U.S. is abandoning the fight.'
