History

Established in 1983

APO began in 1983 when a group of concerned folks began meeting at a local church to discuss how to help those with AIDS who were returning home to the Springfield area to die.

 At that time, the group called themselves AIDS Project of Springfield. Soon, the virus made its way to people living in the area and the needs for emotional, as well as practical support grew significantly. APO incorporated in 1985 and has provided HIV care and prevention services to the 29 county Southwest Missouri region ever since. In 1991, APO was among the first agencies to receive a Ryan White HIV medical care grant from HRSA. Services provided include: primary medical care; specialty medical care; dental care; mental health and substance abuse services; nutritional counseling; case management for both infected and affected clients; adherence services; counseling and testing services; and emergency client assistance. 

The journey of transforming into a Federally Qualified Health Center Look Alike (FQHC-LAL) marks a significant milestone in our organization’s evolution.

While our roots are deeply entrenched in providing comprehensive care and support to individuals affected by HIV, this transition allows us to expand our mission even further. As we broaden our horizons, our commitment to community health takes on a more comprehensive and inclusive stance. Becoming an FQHC-LAL empowers us to address a wider array of medical needs within the communities we serve, focusing on the underserved and vulnerable populations. Our capabilities are no longer confined solely to HIV care; rather, they encompass a holistic approach to healthcare, ranging from primary medical services to prevention and behavioral health, all within a framework that ensures affordability and accessibility for everyone especially the LGBTQ+ community. This transformation underscores our dedication to enhancing the overall well-being of the community, while preserving the compassionate and personalized care that has been the hallmark of our organization since its inception.

When APO was formally established in 1985, there were two part- time employees. APO currently has 65 employees working at five locations throughout the area. APO serves approximately 700 HIV positive clients per year, provides HIV testing to over 700 individuals, and provides prevention materials to 10,000 people yearly.

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