Philadelphia FIGHT started as a small HIV research center in 1990. Now, it serves over 3,000 people at 3 locations

“Around the Corner” is a PhillyCAM show that offers local social impact leaders the opportunity to share what impact their work is having on the Philadelphia area. 

Philadelphia FIGHT had humble beginnings. It’s humble no longer.

The multiservice community health organization started as a small HIV research center at University of Pennsylvania 26 years ago and now serves over 3,000 youth and adults in the Greater Philadelphia region suffering from HIV, addiction and soon hepatitis C, according to Community Outreach Supervisor Evon Burton.

“The biggest issue, of course, is that people who are HIV positive are connected to care, and then if they don’t know what their HIV status is, that they find out,” Burton said, “and if they feel that they are vulnerable to HIV, making sure that there’s a right treatment and prevention plan in place.”

In January, FIGHT added dental services to its ranks — anyone can use the services, regardless of HIV status, insurance or ability to pay — and by the end of 2016, FIGHT will also have a hepatitis C program.

Watch Burton explain the organization’s expansion story to Generocity Editor Julie Zeglen in this episode of Around the Corner.

PhillyCAM is Comcast channel 66/966 HD/967 and Verizon FIOS channel 29/30 in Philadelphia.