Big Bend Cares Building Another Facility

By Giulia Marsico
Outlook Writer

The agency Big Bend Cares is planning on expanding its services by building another facility for locals battling HIV and AIDS.

 
The two-story, 25,000-square-foot facility will be a medical home for clients and their families as well as provide leading medical services for the local area. The new building will provide dental and mental health services, a pharmacy and various other services that aid toward individuals who are affected by infectious diseases.

 
“The new facility gives locals an ability to have a one stop where they can have all their needs met instead of going from place to place,” said Rob Renzi, executive director of Big Bend Cares.

 
In Florida, there has been an upward trend in HIV cases over the last three years due to a variety of contributing factors. According to the Florida Department of Health, Leon County had 41 reported cases of AIDS and 89 reported HIV infection cases in 2014.

 
“These (cases) are rooted in an increased willingness to engage in risky behavior, for example we are seeing an increase in injection drug use,” said Mara Burger, press secretary of the Florida Department of Health.

 
“We encourage all residents, especially those engaged in higher risk behavior, to get tested to know their status.”

 
Big Bend Cares is one of the only agencies providing all-inclusive HIV/AIDS services in the eight-county Big Bend region. Big Bend Cares’ Deputy Director Charlie Adams anticipates many opportunities and benefits with the finalization of the project.

 
“This building will help in the revitalization of the whole area. This is simply not a building for HIV/AIDS infected people. This project will create real jobs as well as bring some much needed attention to underserved populations,” said Adams.

 
“We hope that more medical-related businesses will see this as a magnet for future growth. We believe the future looks bright for this community,” said Adams.

 
The funding for the project is largely provided by federal grants and prescription drug benefits from community health clinics that specialize in HIV/AIDS. The new facility is going to be located on the block spanning East Magnolia Street between South Monroe and South Adams Streets.

 
It’s expected to open its doors sometime in spring of 2017.