About Us
Our Story
Founded in 1987 as a volunteer coalition, we’ve grown into a key part of a community health center offering comprehensive services for people living with HIV and those at risk of HIV.
We provide confidential, free, or low-cost HIV care to help patients navigate every stage of their medical journey. From diagnosis to ongoing treatment, our dedicated team connects patients to essential resources, ensuring the best possible health outcomes. We also focus on HIV prevention, offering outreach programs and access to the latest tools to reduce the risk of infection.
The resources available include a prevention testing and educational outreach program, HIV and primary medical care, dental care, case management, mental health services including support groups, medication management, and assistance with health insurance and prescription coverage.
Timeline
1987
A volunteer coalition began addressing HIV in the Des Moines area.
1988
Primary Health Care was funded to provide HIV medical services and became a Ryan White Title 111b provider in 1990.
1990
The Mayor’s Task Force on AIDS, recommended opening a social service agency.
1993
After opening its doors in 1991 the AIDS Project of Central Iowa (The Project) became a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
2013
The Project merged with Primary Health Care, to form The Project of Primary Health Care. The expansion brought medical and social services under one roof, reduced overhead costs, and expanded resources available to clients.
2019
The Project commemorated World AIDS Day with a memorial event at The Blazing Saddle.