The AIDS Institute (TAI) began as a grass roots community mobilization effort in 1985. In1992, this advocacy network became incorporated as a 501(c)(3) private, nonprofitorganization. Over the years, TAI has expanded its vision to become a leading nationalorganization with offices in Tampa and Tallahassee, Florida and a national policy office inWashington, DC. TAI collaborates with the Division of International Medicine and InfectiousDiseases at the University of South Florida, College of Medicine. TAI’s mission is to promoteaction for social change through public policy, advocacy, research, and education andremains focused on HIV/AIDS while incorporating Hepatitis C and other Viral Hepatitis workwith other related healthcare issues into the strong portfolio of activities.On June 1, 2012 AIDS Alliance for Children, Youth & Families, a respected nationalorganization founded in 1994 was acquired by The AIDS Institute. AIDS Alliance’s focushas always been on women, infants, children, youth and families. TAI will continue andexpand the work of AIDS Alliance without the duplicative administrative structure andoverhead. TAI is uniquely qualified to incorporate the robust portfolio of work and history ofAIDS Alliance within the organization and ensure that the resources are focused to have thegreatest impact to improve lives.