Cares of Southwest Michigan was started by activists in 1985 in response to AIDS, providing a place for people to ask questions about HIV and share information about HIV across the state. That collaborative spirit in the face of uncertainty remains a pillar of the organization.

Today, Cares’ mission is to provide comprehensive sexual wellness services where all participants feel welcome, well-informed, cared for and loved. Its vision is a community of individuals – regardless of status, position or background – that are empowered to navigate their own sexual health and wellness without shame, stigma or judgment.

We do this through case management and housing assistance for people living with HIV; STI and HIV prevention, testing and education; and our clinic, Iridescent Health, which provides LGBTQ primary and gender affirming care as well as HIV medical care and primary care.

Cares has always been focused on providing services where it is most convenient for clients. To that end, The Irving S. Gilmore Foundation graciously funded a mobile clinic for Cares, increasing our ability to provide HIV and STI testing and medical care in Kalamazoo County. We have used our mobile unit at OutFront Kalamazoo and plan to use it at area Pride events and throughout the community.

Our goal is to work with community partners in providing care through the mobile clinic to help de-stigmatize HIV and STI testing as well as to share resources.

For more information, please visit www.caresswm.org