AIDS Healthcare Foundation Opens First Tennessee Clinic in Memphis to Combat Rising HIV Rates
Memphis, TN – In a landmark move to address the escalating HIV/AIDS crisis in Shelby County and across Tennessee, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF)—the world’s largest nonprofit provider of HIV/AIDS healthcare services—is opening its first healthcare center in the state. Located at 4299 Elvis Presley Boulevard in the heart of Memphis, the new clinic will officially launch with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. CST. The event will be attended by a host of local civic leaders, community advocates, and elected officials who recognize the urgent need for expanded access to comprehensive, compassionate, and affordable HIV care in the region.
The opening of this facility marks a pivotal moment in Tennessee’s public health landscape. For years, Memphis and Shelby County have grappled with disproportionately high rates of new HIV infections—so much so that, according to former Shelby County Health Director Dr. Michelle Taylor, the area now ranks second in the nation for new HIV cases, trailing only Miami, Florida, and surpassing even Atlanta, Georgia. During a June 27, 2025 interview with WREG-TV, Dr. Taylor underscored the gravity of the situation: “We are number two for new HIV infections only behind Miami, Florida, and we are ahead of Atlanta, Georgia, which is third … that lets you know that right now we have a major issue with HIV and AIDS in our community.”
Dr. Taylor’s warning is backed by alarming data. She revealed that new HIV infections among young people aged 15 to 24 in Shelby County have surged by approximately 50% in recent years. Currently, an estimated 7,500 individuals in the county are living with HIV—a figure that reflects both the scale of the epidemic and the critical need for accessible, stigma-free care.
In response to this public health emergency, AHF is stepping in with a full-service healthcare center designed to meet the diverse needs of Memphians affected by or at risk of HIV. Operating Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the clinic will offer a wide array of services, including primary medical care, specialized HIV treatment, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, and access to PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis)—a highly effective daily medication that can prevent HIV infection in HIV-negative individuals.
One of the most distinctive features of the new center is its on-site nonprofit pharmacy. Unlike commercial pharmacies driven by profit margins, AHF’s pharmacy operates on a unique model: 96 cents of every dollar earned is reinvested directly into local HIV/AIDS prevention, testing, treatment, and support programs. This ensures that community health—not corporate earnings—remains the top priority. Moreover, consistent with AHF’s long-standing mission, all services at the Memphis clinic will be provided regardless of a patient’s insurance status or ability to pay. No one will be turned away due to financial hardship.
“This clinic is more than just a building—it’s a lifeline,” said an AHF spokesperson. “For too long, communities in Tennessee, especially in Memphis, have faced barriers to essential HIV care. Whether it’s cost, transportation, stigma, or lack of providers, these obstacles can be deadly. Our goal is to remove every single one of them.”
The choice of location is strategic. Situated on Elvis Presley Boulevard—a major thoroughfare with strong community ties and high visibility—the clinic is easily accessible by public transit and car, ensuring that residents from all neighborhoods can reach it without undue burden. The facility has also been designed with patient privacy, comfort, and dignity in mind, featuring modern exam rooms, confidential counseling spaces, and welcoming waiting areas.
AHF’s arrival in Memphis is not just about expanding clinical services—it’s also about building partnerships and empowering the community. The organization plans to collaborate closely with local health departments, community-based organizations, faith leaders, and youth outreach groups to conduct education campaigns, mobile testing events, and PrEP awareness initiatives. Recognizing that young people are particularly vulnerable, AHF will prioritize culturally competent, youth-friendly programming that meets teens and young adults where they are—both physically and emotionally.
The urgency of this work cannot be overstated. Despite decades of medical advances that have turned HIV from a death sentence into a manageable chronic condition, disparities in access to care persist—especially in the South, which accounts for more than half of all new HIV diagnoses in the United States. Tennessee, and Memphis in particular, sits at the epicenter of this regional crisis. Structural factors such as poverty, limited healthcare infrastructure, stigma, and gaps in sex education have all contributed to the city’s high infection rates.
AHF brings more than 35 years of global experience to this effort. Founded in 1987 in Los Angeles during the height of the AIDS epidemic, the organization now operates in 47 countries and serves over 2 million people worldwide. In the U.S., AHF runs more than 60 pharmacies and over 180 healthcare centers, making it a powerhouse in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Its model combines direct patient care with bold advocacy, pushing for policy changes that expand access to treatment and protect the rights of people living with HIV.
The Memphis clinic represents AHF’s commitment to bringing that same level of expertise, compassion, and advocacy to Tennessee. “We don’t just treat HIV—we fight for health justice,” the spokesperson added. “That means confronting the social determinants of health, challenging discrimination, and ensuring that everyone, regardless of zip code or income, can live a healthy life.”
Community leaders have welcomed AHF’s investment with open arms. “This is exactly the kind of partnership we need,” said a local councilmember who will attend the ribbon-cutting. “Memphis has been crying out for more resources, and AHF is answering that call with action, not just words.”
As the October 8 ribbon-cutting approaches, anticipation is building among residents, healthcare workers, and advocates alike. For many, the new clinic symbolizes hope—a tangible sign that the tide can turn in Shelby County’s battle against HIV. With comprehensive services, a patient-first philosophy, and a proven track record of success, AHF is poised to make a profound difference in the lives of thousands.
In the words of Dr. Taylor, “We have a major issue”—but with organizations like AHF stepping up, Memphis now has a powerful new ally in the fight for health equity, dignity, and life. The doors of the AHF Memphis Health Center will open wide, ready to serve, support, and save lives.
