Our History
BEAT AIDS was founded in 1987 as Black Effort Against The Threat of AIDS. As the name suggests, the founders of BEAT AIDS were pioneers in perceiving how disproportionately vulnerable the African American community (and African American women in particular) was to the threat of HIV/AIDS. Starting with door-to-door outreach and person-to-person connections, the founders of BEAT AIDS started a conversation about HIV/AIDS at a time when it was a taboo subject, and in a community that no one was serving.  We held and helped those whom others were afraid to touch, and in those difficult early years, our work included many funerals.
From that humble beginning, we have continually expanded and deepened our focus to respond to the changing HIV/AIDS epidemic, and we have become leaders in effective, evidence-based HIV prevention and risk-reduction in San Antonio.  Today, in addition to being the only African American-led HIV/AIDS service organizaton in Bexar County, we provide a full range of culturally relevant services to anyone who is at risk for or infected/affected by HIV/AIDS. Through 20 years of experience we have gained unparalleled competence in serving minority communities, underserved persons, and disproprotionately affected groups (i.e., persons who are homeless, chemically dependent, incarcerated, low-income, mentally ill, sex workers) who perceive barriers to prevention, care, and solutions to their medical, social, mental health, and physical needs.
In the first ten years of the epidemic, many believed that a cure or a vaccine was around the corner.  Unfortunately, while remarkable advances in treatment mean that HIV infection is no longer the death sentence is was, neither a permanent cure nor a preventive vaccine have been forthcoming.  Today, as in the days when the founders of BEAT AIDS were walking door-to-door handing hand-made pamphlets, prevention remains our most powerful protection against HIV.  Compassion, perseverance and hope are still the weapons we have to fight for life in the face of AIDS.
Who Are We?
BEAT AIDS is a community-based nonprofit (501(c)3) organization located in the heart of San Antonio, Texas. Our diverse staff reflect the populations and communities we serve, and collectivelyhave more than 50 years of combined experience working with traditionally marginalized and underserved groups.
Who Do We Serve?
- Anyone who wants to know more about HIV/AIDS.
- Anyone who has unprotected sex.
- Anyone who shares needles or uses drugs.
- Anyone with a family member or friend infected/affected by HIV/AIDS.
- Anyone who is infected with HIV/AIDS.
Why Would You Come Here?
- To learn more about HIV/AIDS and how to protect yourself and the people you love.
- For a personalized assessment of your own risk, and a customized risk reduction plan.
- To get tested for HIV or Syphilis.
- For financial assistance, food, or transportation if you’re HIV+ or have AIDS.
- For referral services for substance abuse treatment, prenatal care, treatment of sexually transmitted diseases and other needs.
- For mental health services, peer support, and a sense of belonging.
- For access to medical and case management services.
- Because you’re infected with, affected by, or at risk for HIV and you just need someone to talk to. We’re here for you!
Why Us?
BEAT AIDS is the only African American-led HIV/AIDS services gency in Bexar and surrounding counties. BEAT AIDS serves more than 700 HIV + individuals annually, and educates more than 15,000 people per year. BEAT AIDS is client-centered, and will customize service plans to meet every individual’s needs.
Our Motto
“BEAT AIDS is the heartbeat of prevention and hope”
