The History of Health Plus Indiana
A Journey of Compassion, Care & Community
For more than three decades, we have been committed to meeting people where they are—providing HIV prevention, care, support, and hope. Here is our story.
Our Mission
To support and enhance the health and well-being for the people of Indiana in a safe, inclusive space.
1989
1989
The United Methodist Conference started AIDS Ministries Committee. Michael Beatty, was appointed as Executive Director.
1990
1990
AMC began the Religion Committee, the Public Relations Committee and the Development Committee. Client services, including intake, legal services, advocacy, counseling and pastoral counseling, and disbursals of food, medical equipment and other items, were started. AMC also had its first fundraising event, a Halloween murder mystery where Congressman Tim Roemer was the first “victim.”
1991
1991
The agency moved into the parish office building at St. Joseph Church. The Women and AIDS Coalition was started. The first part time employee was hired.
1992
1992
The Teen Peer Education Program began and the organization became AIDS Ministries/AIDS Assist (AMAA).
1993
1993
AMAA received its first state grant through the State of Indiana Family and Social Services Administration and began the first testing and counseling program with four local sites. AIDS Ministries also became a non-profit 501(c)3 with a community Board of Directors.
1994
1994
The first Women and AIDS Conference was held.
1995
1995
The first Prevention Grant was received.
1996
1996
AIDS Ministries established with established the following staffed departments: Prevention Services, Testing and Counseling Services, Client Services, Administration, Public Relations and Development, and a management team.
1997
1997
ISDH designated AMAA as the Care Coordination site for the 6 county North Central Region.
1998
1998
AMAA became a United Way agency. Our first Rooftop Rendezvous was held.
1999
1999
AIDS Ministries opened a satellite office in Elkhart.
2000
2000
AMAA expands housing services with the opening of a transitional housing building. A satellite office in Walkerton was also opened.
2001
2001
The aftercare group for those dually diagnosed with a substance disorder and HIV began.
2002
2002
AMAA was given St. Juste house. The house is currently occupied by a family. Family Specialist Case Management began.
2003
2003
AMAA was awarded the properties in Elkhart to use for a permanent housing program. AMAA was also selected to participate in 22 Ways of Giving.
2004
2004
The HOPWA program began at AMAA to help provide additional funding for housing. All staff finally got computers. Michael Beatty, AIDS Ministries first Executive Director, left.
2005
2005
Sister Ethne Kennedy, one of the founders of AMAA passed away. Chris Carlin, was hired as the new Executive Director.
2006
2006
Gurley Leep with help of a matching grant awarded a van to AMAA to use for transporting clients.
2007
2007
The Walkerton office was closed. Chris Carlin left the agency and a Management Team of 5 was formed to lead.
2008
2008
FSSA decided to no longer fund HIV Prevention and Testing. AMAA lost over $100,000 in funding and 4 staff positions. AMAA hosted a Golf Outing.
2009
2009
AMAA celebrated its 20th Anniversary with a Silent Auction and Dinner. It was a great event! We also tried our hand at a Bowling Tournament and Harlem Ambassadors Game for fundraising events. This was also the last year the AMAA was funded by the Methodist Church.
2010
2010
Partnership was formed with Walgreens Center for Excellence in HIV. AMAA and Minority Health hosted a Nonprofit Conference.
2011
2011
The agency went through a major restructuring and now was led by a Management Team of three. The Director of Prevention attended the African American Women in AIDS Conference sponsored by the IN Conference of Methodist Church.
2012
2012
AMAA was rebranded with a new logo and calling of: “AIDS Assist”. To celebrate we had events all week long for World AIDS Day including the 1st Red Ribbon Breakfast.
2013
2013
Leeah Hopper appointed new Executive Program Director.
2014
2014
AMAA celebrated its 25th Anniversary!
2016
2016
Fire at Elkhart office and apartments, added new programs.
2017
2017
Rebuild Elkhart office and apartments.
2018
2018
Healthy U Rx, onsite pharmacy opened.
2019
2019
Kiosks placed in Walgreens so that anyone can request a test offsite.
2020
2020
Started offering tablets and virtual services to clients.
2021
2021
Started using self-tests kits as another testing option, so anybody can be tested in the privacy of their own home.
2022
2022
Merged with RefreshF5 located in Austin, Indiana.
2023
2023
Changed name to Health Plus Indiana, updated vision and mission statement, awarded Connect to Cure grant, awarded Ryan White Part C grant, and started clinic.
2024
2024
Added in-house LSWs to clinic.
2025
2025
Awarded Part C Capacity Building Grant.
2026
2026
Added new positions including Development/HR Manager and Compliance Officer, closed pharmacy, working on FQHC application.
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