History

The HAART Clinic – a Service Line of Open Health Care Clinic

Facing an increased number of HIV cases in the area, in 1989 a task force was formed by concerned citizens and representatives of the Office of Public Health (OPH). Its purpose was to define the extent of the disease in the population, the affected subpopulation groups, and the need for services to assist affected individuals and families.

From these early beginnings evolved HIV Alliance for Region Two, Inc. (HAART), a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that offers a broad continuum of services to people living with HIV in the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).

Today, HAART is a service line of Open Health Care Clinic. Open Health and HAART offer a complete continuum of care to people living with HIV including housing, primary care, medication assistance, case management, and an array of supportive services.

Throughout its history, Open Health’s HAART service line established an extensive referral system linking together a broad network of service providers in order to increase access to funded health and support services. Open Health is now the largest provider of HUD-funded housing assistance for persons with HIV in the state of Louisiana and has been providing housing services in East Baton Rouge Parish and the surrounding area since 1996. Currently, Open Health administers two HUD-funded Supportive Housing Program projects that provide transitional and permanent supportive housing, as well as HOPWA (Housing of People with AIDS) funded programs providing both tenant-based and project-based rental assistance. Open Health is also one of the largest providers of Ryan White case management services in the Baton Rouge region, with which HOPWA funding is often paired.

Our eleven-member Board of Directors is made up of experienced community and civic leaders who play a key role in the development and well-being of the area. Their compassion, diligence and forward thinking will continue to guide Open Health Care Clinic and the HAART service line as we strive to provide the highest quality of care throughout the community we serve.