AIDS Arms Inc. Acquires Building for Peabody Health Center.

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 13, 2003

Generous Support of Meadows Foundation and VHA Inc. Raises Remaining

$148,000 to Purchase AIDS Arms Peabody Health Center in Dallas

Through the generous contributions of the Meadows Foundation, VHA Inc. and others, AIDS Arms, Inc., the largest Dallas-based nonprofit agency providing both outpatient medical care and social service case management programs for persons diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, announced today the purchase of the building for the AIDS Arms Peabody Health Center at 1906 Peabody Avenue in South Dallas. The agency also announced a new donor wall program in the lobby of the Center.

This 4,700 square foot building on the corner of Martin Luther King Boulevard and Highway 45 is located in the heart of rising HIV infections and where those most impacted by HIV/AIDS in Dallas reside. With an increase in patient load from 225 in 2001 to 740 as of November 2003, AIDS Arms recognized the need to purchase the building for efficiency and cost, as well as a true opportunity to expand the capacity of the Center to serve an ever-growing number of HIV-infected individuals.

"The generous grants by the Meadows Foundation and VHA allow us to focus on the care of our patients in an environment that is accessible and responsive to their many needs," Raeline Nobles, executive director of AIDS Arms, Inc. said. "When the opportunity to buy the building arose, we quickly realized we would ultimately be in a better position to serve clients in terms of cost, quality and capacity. By purchasing the building we want the community to know we are there for them long term. Our vision is to create a concrete symbol of hope and quality care for those living with HIV/AIDS."

The Meadows Foundation contribution of $80,000 toward the Peabody Health Center purchase finalized the Agency's fundraising efforts. In honor of this generous grant, AIDS Arms has named its lobby at the Peabody Health Center in honor of the Foundation.

"The Meadows Foundation has been funding services to persons with HIV/AIDS for decades here in Dallas and around Texas," says Bruce Esterline, Meadows Foundation vice president for grants. "We sincerely hope this new building will improve the quality and level of services that persons with HIV/AIDS living in South Dallas so critically deserve."

VHA Inc., a strong and longstanding supporter of AIDS Arms since 1998, contributed $55,000 toward the purchase of the building. In recognition of their ongoing support, AIDS Arms has named the Center's atrium courtyard area in VHA's name.

Other generous contributions toward the Peabody Center building fund include:

    --  Eugene Straus Charitable Trust: $8,000 to renovate patient
        rooms
    --  Broadway Cares: $5,600 toward renovation of the building

Several private donors also stepped forward to assist with the purchase funds, including the staff of the agency. The owners of the building worked closely with AIDS Arms Board member, J. Christopher Luna, to provide a discounted purchase price that would allow the agency to effectively raise funds without absorbing the liability of a mortgage.

"We are so appreciative of everyone's efforts over the past seven months. Their contributions of expertise, time and funding helped to make our dream of accessible HIV care and support become a reality for South Dallas," stated Nobles.

Regarding the epidemic in Dallas County, on average there are 15 deaths per month due to AIDS. Also, according to the latest numbers released by the Dallas County Health Department, there were 1,271 new HIV cases and 548 new AIDS cases in 2002. And according to the Texas Department of Health (TDH), Dallas County reported the highest numbers of new HIV positive individuals in the state in 2002, just ahead of Harris County who reported 1,212 new HIV cases.

"African Americans, Hispanics, youth and women make up the fastest growing infection rates," Nobles said. "AIDS Arms has served more than 1,500 individuals and families with case management, medication assistance, counseling and education needs in the past year in addition to the 740 patients receiving medical care at the AIDS Arms Peabody Health Center; a 26 percent increase from last year. The disease continues to devastate increasing numbers individuals and families physically, financially and emotionally. Purchasing the Center will provide new opportunities for AIDS Arms to help people in all these areas."

About AIDS Arms, Inc.

AIDS Arms, Inc. was established in 1986 to assist individuals in accessing the healthcare, resources and support necessary to successfully manage the challenges of living with HIV/AIDS. The agency serves men, women, children and families affected by HIV and promotes effective and efficient access to care by reducing the barriers impacting an individual's ability to obtain optimal quality in all aspects of their lives. Services are structured to target HIV-positive individuals in a 12-county area with emphasis on underserved groups, such as African-Americans, Hispanics, women, youth and those with medical adherence issues. AIDS Arms is a United Way of Metropolitan Dallas agency since 1992. For more information, visit www.aidsarms.org.