Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force Announces Name Change to Allies for Health + Wellbeing

Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force (PATF) is pleased to announce that the organization will be renamed Allies for Health + Wellbeing, effective September 26, 2017. The name "Allies for Health + Wellbeing" reflects the organization's expanded role in caring for those living with, affected by, and at risk of HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, and viral hepatitis in southwestern Pennsylvania.

The needs of those living with HIV/AIDS have changed dramatically since a group of volunteers, or "allies" founded PATF in 1985. Over the years, the organization has changed to meet these needs with an ever-increasing array of services. Most recently, PATF added a medical clinic to its menu of services.

PATF now provides integrated care for individuals living with HIV and certain services for those who do not have HIV but who are at risk of acquiring the virus. For example, PATF clinicians prescribe a once-a-day pill that significantly reduces the risk of acquiring HIV, a medical regimen known as Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).

"PATF has evolved since its founding more than three decades ago," says Sean DeYoung, Chief Executive Officer of Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force. "With the medical clinic, now is the perfect moment to change our name to "Allies for Health + Wellbeing, a more inclusive and welcoming face for the organization. The new name also reflects our desire to address the needs of the whole person, including medical, behavioral, and practical issues."

Changing its name was not a decision PATF's Board of Directors took lightly. Before making the decision to rename the organization, PATF met with groups of current clients, potential clients (those at high risk of acquiring HIV), donors and supporters, and staff to assess feelings about the current name and potential new names. Overwhelmingly, these groups had positive reactions to the name "Allies for Health + Wellbeing."

Renaming the organization "Allies for Health + Wellbeing" is an important continuation of the organization's commitment to provide client-focused care for those living with, affected by, or at risk of acquiring HIV. In choosing this name, the organization also pays homage to the group of volunteers -- or "allies" -- who came together at the beginning of the AIDS crisis to form a vital and dynamic organization.

"We're proud to carry on the important work that began over 30 years ago and to be allies in the continued fight against HIV/AIDS," says Sean DeYoung.

To improve health and wellbeing, PATF provides integrated medical care, supportive human services and community-based education for individuals living with, or at risk of, HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections. Combining vital social services with a new medical clinic, PATF continues its three-decade history of leadership in providing comprehensive support that improves the health and quality of life for those living with HIV/AIDS in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Somerset, Washington, and Westmoreland counties.

On September 26, 2017, the organization will be renamed "Allies for Health + Wellbeing," reflecting the organization's expanded array of services.