In a move to honor the legacy of one of Florida’s earliest AIDS advocates, CAN Community Health, in Tampa, has launched the Susan Terry Foundation, a new charitable arm aimed at empowering people affected by HIV.
The Foundation officially launched on July 1 and is named for Susan Terry, who co-founded Sarasota’s first AIDS clinic, in 1991. Terry’s early efforts helped shape what is now CAN Community Health, a national nonprofit serving more than 22,000 patients annually, across six states.
“Susan Terry’s name is synonymous with compassion,” said Rishi Patel, president and chief executive officer of CAN. “This Foundation honors her by helping patients overcome real-life obstacles, because true wellness means meeting people where they are.”
Led by executive director Ray Carson, the Foundation will focus on health equity, education and support services for individuals affected by HIV. Its mission includes addressing social determinants of health and partnering with organizations to reduce stigma and improve access to care.
In Florida, which ranks third in the nation for new HIV diagnoses, more than 120,000 people live with the virus. Nationwide, approximately 1.2 million Americans are living with HIV, according to a statement.
