Our Story
AIDS Project of the Ozarks (APO) began in 1983 when a group of concerned folks began meeting at a local church to discuss how to help those with AIDS who were returning home to the Springfield area to die. At that time, the group called themselves AIDS Project of Springfield. Soon, the virus made its way to people living in the area and the needs for emotional, as well as practical support grew significantly. APO incorporated in 1985 and has provided HIV care and prevention services to the 29 county Southwest Missouri region ever since. In 1991, APO was among the first agencies to receive a Ryan White HIV medical care grant from HRSA. Services provided include: primary medical care; specialty medical care; dental care; mental health and substance abuse services; nutritional counseling; case management for both infected and affected clients; adherence services; counseling and testing services; and emergency client assistance. APO has grants from the federal government, Missouri Department of Health Senior Services, K.C. Care Clinic, & Doorways of St. Louis. When APO was formally established in 1985, there were two part- time employees. APO currently has 43 full-time employees (including a full time Medical Director on site) and two part time employee working at five locations throughout the area. APO serves approximately 800 HIV positive clients per year, provides HIV testing to over 700 individuals, and provides prevention materials to 10,000 people yearly.
But, in addition to all the above, we are also able to see ALL people. All meaning ALL. We are not just a clinic for those with HIV or AIDS, but we are so much more for so many people in our community. Those with insurance, those without. Those who are poor, those who are middle class, those who are rich. Those who identify as LGBTQ, those who call themselves allies of the LGBTQ community. Those who identify with the gender that is on their birth certificate, those who identify themselves as someone else. Those who have AIDS or are HIV+, to those who walk thru the doors but don’t know their status. When we say we are for ALL, we mean it. We are one of the few clinics that are able to see you as a patient or client regardless if your insurance plan says you must do so with an in-network provider of either Cox or Mercy. We can file with both with ZERO “out-of-network” cost to you.
We would love to visit with you in much more detail about what we do here at APO, but we also would be honored to be your place in receiving quality health care from amazing doctors, nurses and support staff. Please consider us when you need or know of someone in need of finding a doctor. APO is here to serve ALL of YOU!
