DETROIT and YPSILANTI, Mich., March 25, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — In order to strengthen the response to HIV in Southeast Michigan, AIDS Partnership Michigan (APM) and HIV/AIDS Resource Center (HARC) have merged their organizations. Building on a history of collaboration and excellence, the merger of APM and HARC will ensure the sustainability of comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention and care in their now 10-county area where 63% of people living with HIV reside.

A Strong History and Position for the Future
The organizations have worked together for more than 14 years through the HIV/AIDS Alliance of Michigan, AIDS Walk Michigan, the highly recognized StatusSexy community mobilization campaign, and through involvement as community partners of the University of Michigan Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities. Together, they provide HIV prevention and direct care services to almost 7,000 residents of Southeast Michigan.

“We are stronger together. Our Boards have worked for over a year to explore this opportunity and implement the merger. Our services have continued without interruption and are enhanced by the expertise and unique programming of each organization,” said APM CEO William VanHemert who will serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of the merged organization.

“Our goal is to enhance our capacity in key areas, including programming, access to funding, community-based research, and delivery of HIV-related health care services. The constant is our commitment to compassionate HIV prevention and care services,” said HARC President/CEO Jimena Loveluck. Loveluck will focus on expanding services and strengthening innovative approaches to address HIV as the Vice President of Community Research and Innovation.

Critical Funding and Board Support
The planning process and consulting services leading to this merger have been supported through generous grants from the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, AIDS United Sector Transformation Fund, and the Washtenaw Coordinated Funders. APM and HARC will continue to use their names until a rebranding process is completed in the coming months. The same services will be delivered through three offices in Detroit, Ypsilanti and Jackson and the full staff of both organizations will work together to fulfill our mission. The new Board of Directors includes 12 board members, six each from APM and HARC.

Comprehensive Services for Those in Need
Meeting the needs of people who rely on HIV services in this quickly changing healthcare landscape requires an innovative model for comprehensive service delivery. The merged organization’s core components – medical case management, HIV testing, and education and outreach – will continue. The broader regional model will ensure the efficient use of resources in delivering services and responding to community needs. An expanded geographic and service scope will provide leverage to ensure sustainability of HIV and related health care services, resulting in continued access and improved health outcomes for clients in Southeast Michigan.

Join the Celebration
The staff, board members, and volunteers invite supporters and community members to celebrate the merger of APM and HARC at the 20^th annual Dining for Dollars event on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at Zingerman’s Roadhouse in Ann Arbor. For tickets and information, please visit http://hivaidsresource.org/dining-for-dollars/

About AIDS Partnership Michigan – Established in 1983, AIDS Partnership Michigan (APM) is the oldest AIDS multi-service organization in Michigan serving Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, St. Clair, and Lapeer counties. For more information, visit www.aidspartnership.org.

About HIV/AIDS Resource Center – Established in 1986, HIV/AIDS Resource Center (HARC) is the only comprehensive AIDS service organization for Washtenaw, Jackson, Lenawee and Livingston Counties. For more information, visit www.hivaidsresource.org.

About Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan – The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan is a full service philanthropic organization leading the way to positive change in our region. The Foundation has distributed more than $657 million through more than 49,000 grants to nonprofit organizations throughout Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, Washtenaw, St. Clair and Livingston counties. For more information, visit cfsem.org.

About AIDS United – AIDS United has established its Sector Transformation Fund with generous support from Johnson & Johnson for communities engaging in strategic restructuring to optimize HIV/AIDS service delivery in a new funding and regulatory landscape. For more information, visit http://www.aidsunited.org/Programs-0024-Grantmaking/Sector-Transformation.aspx.

About Washtenaw Coordinated Funders – The Washtenaw Coordinated Funders are a collaboration of the Office of Community & Economic Development (representing the City of Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, and Washtenaw Urban County), the United Way of Washtenaw County, the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, and the RNR Foundation. For more information, visit http://www.aaacf.org/grants/coordinated-funding.

CONTACTS
William VanHemert, MSW, Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
AIDS Partnership Michigan (APM)
Phone: 313-446-9808
Email: wvanhemert@aidspartnership.org

Jimena Loveluck, MSW, President/CEO
HIV/AIDS Resource Center (HARC)
Phone: 734-572-9355 ext. 224
Email: loveluck@hivaidsresource.org

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SOURCE AIDS Partnership Michigan (APM) and HIV/AIDS Resource Center (HARC)