The Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS (Southwest Center) founded in 1988, serves 70% of those Arizonans (men, women, children, youth, seniors, immigrants, and the homeless) who are at risk for and impacted by HIV/AIDS. We are the state's only non-profit AIDS service organization providing the unique combination of prevention, research, and wellness services and programs to those at-risk individuals and those infected with HIV/AIDS--most of who are living below the federal poverty level.

Our mission is to reduce infection, improve access to services, enhance the quality of life for those impacted by the disease, and contribute to worldwide research.

Special Note: The Center for Health Education and Community Wellness
In 2012, Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS will be moving into a new 50,000 square-foot facility located at 1101 North Central Avenue in Phoenix. Supported by $3.6 million in City of Phoenix Bond financing, this building will become the Center for Health Education and Community Wellness (the Center).

The Center is a collaborative, community-based, state-of-the-art, HIV-focused community health, education, and research center where chronic disease management will be featured. It is located in the heart of downtown Phoenix in close proximity to medical and bioresearch communities and steps away from light rail and bus lines. The Center will house both the Southwest Center (including our Center for Research) and our long-term community health partner, the McDowell Healthcare Center that is operated by Maricopa Integrated Health Services. The McDowell Healthcare Center is currently Arizona’s largest HIV/AIDS primary care facility. The collaboration between McDowell Healthcare Center and the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS has created a national model of excellence in public-private education, health and wellness, and research to prevent and treat long-term, chronic diseases. We anticipate serving an even larger number of men, women, and youth following our move and provide an even higher quality of care.

Special Holiday Events

Women’s & Men’s Programs – Each year we host a holiday luncheon (or other event—sometimes an evening dinner) for both women and men who are infected or impacted by HIV or AIDS. This is a weekly support groups who meet weekly. We look for donations to host this event to pay for the meal. We also look for people to donate food especially turkeys.

Logan’s Playground Child Watch – While our parents attend their medical visits, therapy sessions or support group, their children are cared for in our Logan’s Playground Child Watch room. Each year we host a holiday toy drive for the children.

Most of our clients fall below the federal poverty line and need the assistance and support we provide especially around the holiday season. This time of year tends to increase depression and anxiety for parents when they are unable to provide for their families—especially children during the holidays.