The Minority AIDS Initiative Program (MAI)

The Florida Department of Health currently contracts with nine agencies to provide services under the Minority AIDS Initiative (MAI). These agencies are located in Broward, Hillsborough, Miami-Dade, Orange, and Palm Beach counties. MAI uses a strengths-based case management - termed ARTAS Linkage Case Management - to target HIV-positive clients of minority populations. The purpose of the program is to link recently or previously (no care for at least six months) diagnosed HIV-positive clients to available medical care. Once identified, the client meets with a care coordinator. The ultimate goal is to link the client to the proper medical care services to receive treatment. Other expected outcomes for the client are to identify treatment-supporting goals, such as becoming their own medical advocate, obtaining stable housing (if applicable), and achieving a more stable lifestyle. MAI clients receive case management, assistance with applying for qualifying benefits (ADAP, Medicaid, Medicare), transportation (bus passes, cab vouchers, or care coordinator drives them to their appointments), and other services as needed.

For more information, please call Bridget Giles at (850) 245-4444 ext. 2442.

The following links open in a new window

MAI-ARTAS Annual Summary Report 2012 (pdf - 196kb)

MAI Web Brochure (pdf - 346kb)
Downloadable Contact information for MAI program

Linkage Fact Sheet (pdf - 99kb)
More Than A Referral

MAI-ARTAS Standards and Guidelines Handbook (pdf 468 - kb)
Provides guidelines and more complete details on the MAI program and ARTAS methodology

MAI-ARTAS Provider Map (pdf 35 - kb)

Florida HIV/AIDS Hotline at 1-800-FLA-AIDS
1-880-352-2437
1-888-503-7118 (TDY)
1-800-545-SIDA (Spanish)
1-800-AIDS-101 (Creole)