Our Commitment to HIV Patient Care
The University of Florida Center for HIV/AIDS Research, Education and Service (UF CARES) is
a leader in providing innovative care and quality services in the Jacksonville
community. The goal of UF CARES is to decrease the transmission of HIV, enhance
quality of life through comprehensive care and increase awareness and understanding
of HIV through education, leadership and services.
Through our multidisciplinary approach and strong collaborative network, the center
is a one-stop program where patients can receive a majority of services in a single,
coordinated visit.
Our team of adult and pediatric medical providers and support staff
strives to provide quality services in a culturally competent, patient-centered care
model. We believe no individual should be limited in their potential by HIV.
Our History of HIV Services in Jacksonville
UF CARES began providing medical care for children in 1988. Over the next two years,
the growing need for additional HIV/AIDS research became apparent. In 1990, the
center established a four-year partnership with the National Cancer Institute in
order to participate in clinical research trials. During this partnership, the center
explored the barriers children face in finding, receiving and maintaining health
care. This led to the center’s current comprehensive approach to care, providing
complete care for patients.
In 1993, UF CARES became a National Institute of Child Health and Human Development’s
Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trial Unit. The center continued to grow and in 1997 moved
to the clinic space it currently resides in at UF Health Jacksonville. In this same
year, the center expanded its scope to a family-centered, comprehensive health care
provider for HIV-infected or exposed infants, children, adolescents, women
and their families. UF CARES remains Northeast Florida’s only comprehensive,
multidisciplinary HIV program.
This program is supported by Program Income generated from the Health Resources and
Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.