Community Open House to Include Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony,
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Refreshments, Free HIV Testing
FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., Jan. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) will mark the opening of its newest 'Out of the Closet' thrift store and 'AHF Pharmacy' location with a grand opening event on-site at 2097 Wilton Drive on Saturday, January 26th at 10:00 a.m. This festive community open house will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, refreshments, entertainment and, of course, the chance for shoppers to be among the first to discover the unique finds and hidden treasures for which 'Out of the Closet' is famous. Free HIV testing will also be offered.
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With eighteen locations throughout California, AIDS Healthcare Foundation's popular and award-winning 'Out of the Closet' thrift store chain is the nation's largest retail fundraising vehicle for HIV/AIDS medical care and research. The Wilton Manors location -- the first 'Out of the Closet' to open in Florid -- will also be home to an 'AHF Pharmacy,' a full-service facility staffed with pharmacists who specialize in HIV/AIDS medications. (Store Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sun. 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Pharmacy Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.)
"AHF is pleased to be opening its newest 'Out of the Closet' thrift store and 'AHF Pharmacy' in the thriving City of Wilton Manors," said Michael Weinstein, President of AIDS Healthcare Foundation. "Ninety-six cents of every dollar raised through the Wilton Manors store and through 'AHF Pharmacy' will benefit AIDS Healthcare Foundation's HIV/AIDS prevention and education programs in Broward County and statewide."
In addition to providing unparalleled HIV/AIDS expertise, the 'AHF Pharmacy' will also offer a unique alternative to the larger, chain pharmacies. Money raised by the non-profit pharmacy -- fully equipped and able to fill any prescription, not only medications used to treat HIV/AIDS -- will go toward providing HIV/AIDS services to those in need in South Florida and in other areas that AHF serves. 'AHF Pharmacy' will also offer free, anonymous and confidential HIV testing and other health-related services, such as blood pressure and diabetes screening.
"As the state of Florida remains third highest in the nation for cumulative AIDS cases, there continues to be a need for effective and sustained HIV prevention and education measures," said Whitney Engeran, III, Director, Public Health Division for AIDS Healthcare Foundation. "AHF is glad to be a contributing partner in this effort to address the region's epidemic by offering free, anonymous and confidential HIV testing at its 'AHF Pharmacy' in Wilton Manors, in a convenient, community-based setting."
"We are proud to be opening 'Out of the Closet' in this area and to be introducing the first neighborhood pharmacy that can fill anyone's prescription needs while offering the chance to make a difference in the community," said Michael Kahane, Bureau Chief, Southern Region for AIDS Healthcare Foundation. "Whether donating merchandise, shopping or filling prescriptions, the people of Wilton Manors and surrounding areas can help ensure that people living with HIV/AIDS receive the medical care and services they need."
In Florida, AHF provides HIV/AIDS medical care and services through its AHF Magic Johnson Healthcare Center in Jacksonville; statewide disease management program, AHF/Positive Healthcare (caring for nearly 8,000 Medicaid patients in almost every county of the state); five Positive Healthcare Pharmacies in Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa, Miami & Jacksonville; and recently launched its innovative Medicare Advantage Part D Special Needs program, Positive Healthcare Partners, in Miami-Dade & Broward
