A New Home for Health, Equity and Hope

A Capital Fundraising Campaign for Positively Living

BACKGROUND

Positively Living was established in 1997 to assist in the care of those living with HIV and AIDS. In the years since, medications have become more effective and those living with the disease live longer, healthier lives. In response to these changes, Positively Living launched the Choice Health Network in 2017. With the addition of this full-service medical clinic, we are able to offer a full array of medical, mental health and case management services utilizing our structurally competent, trauma informed care model.

Demand for these services continues to increase and our company has continued to grow. Today we have over 40 staff in 3 locations across the state of Tennessee, and a budget of close to 6 million dollars. Based on current projections we anticipate growing our staff by 10%-15% annually for the next several years. The vast majority of the growth will occur at our location in Knoxville – made possible by our building and renovation project.

Providing every client with the care they need in a barrier free, responsive environment has paid off. More clients than ever are getting HIV medications within 48 hours of their initial diagnosis. Within 4-6 weeks the vast majority of those newly diagnosed are undetectable – meaning they cannot spread the virus to others.

Barrier free care means that our clients get what they need when they need it. They can see their medical provider, case manager or therapist in a single location. But we have reached our capacity in our current rental space on Hill Avenue in Knoxville.

This care has individual impact – the quality of life for our clients is vastly improved. It also has community impact – our community is better when citizens are healthy, active contributors. This project also takes a long ago abandoned and blighted building (the former Lisa Ross Birth and Women’s Center) and transforms it into an active center of care, improving the neighborhood as a whole.

With the purchase and renovation of our new facility at 1925 Ailor Avenue, we will take our care beyond what we are able to accomplish today and make even greater strides towards our vision of a future of health, equity and hope.

Our services include:

Medical services
Food and transportation support
Mental health counseling and therapy
HIV and HCV testing
HIV treatment
PrEP and PEP
Pharmacy services
Harm Reduction
Peer Support
Telehealth

THE PROJECT

Phase I – 1925 Ailor Avenue / Purchase and Renovation

Projected for completion in spring 2020

9300 square feet on 2 floors.
All services in one building, allowing for an enhanced client centered care experience.
Expanded mental health services.
Increased space for trainings, groups, and enhanced client engagement activities.
Increased number of exam rooms (going from 2 to 7) – allowing for more available appointment times.
Warm, homelike environment.

Phase II – 3500 Sq. Ft. Building and Garage Space / Built on Ailor Avenue Property

Projected for completion in 2022

Administrative offices with room for additional expansion.
Garage space to house our mobile medical clinic.
Climate controlled storage for medical supplies.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

DO YOU BELIEVE A FUTURE OF HEALTH, EQUITY AND HOPE IS WORTH INVESTING IN?

Despite the stigma our clients face, we believe that a future of health, equity and hope is the birthright of every person we serve. Because of that stigma, we know that there are some people who will never invest in our work. That’s why we are looking for people like YOU – those who believe in our mission and want to invest in creating real impact that reflects their values.

TOGETHER, we support health.

TOGETHER, we fight for equity.

TOGETHER, we inspire hope.

We can’t do it without you.

You may make a single gift or a pledge to be paid over time. Pledge terms of up to 5 years and naming opportunities may be available.

Contact information:

Jessica Langer, Director of Development | jessica@positively-living.org | 865-525-1540 ext. 239