About the JACQUES Initiative

Our Vision

Changed Lives, Engaged Communities

The JI has a vision of a city with no new cases of HIV.

This vision includes HIV infected clients living well by receiving early treatment from an expert multidisciplinary team while living in a broader community that is fully engaged in HIV prevention, care and support.

Our Mission

Lead individuals and communities on a Journey To Wellness

The mission of the JACQUES Initiative (JI) program is to provide a holistic care delivery model that provides long-term treatment success for urban populations infected with HIV.

The focus of the JI is to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with HIV illness through care delivery while providing early intervention services through activities such as testing, outreach and linkage to care.

We are committed to providing a “safe place” for our clients through professionally delivered services, an engaged community and access to clinical research for all.

We accomplish this mission through The Journey To Wellness.

Overview

The JACQUES Initiative (Joint AIDS Community Quest for Unique and Effective Treatment Strategies) was initiated in 2003 by the Institute of Human Virology (IHV). The IHV is the first center in the United States -- perhaps the world -- to combine the disciplines of basic research, epidemiology and clinical research in a concerted effort to speed the discovery of diagnostics and therapeutics for a wide variety of chronic and deadly viral and immune disorders - most notably the human immunodeficiency (HIV) virus that causes AIDS.

The core framework of our novel approach to HIV care and delivery is based on proven strategies for adherence, including an integrated pharmacy and observed therapy. The success and progressive expansion of the program and its staff have simply been based on our desire to serve the needs of the community and our clients living with HIV.

The staff of the JACQUES Initiative program are unique and passionate, with various fields of interest that include medicine, research, nursing, pharmacy, testing and community outreach. Approximately 20% of our J.I. staff are living well with HIV, so we have not only been able to tell people that such as life is possible, but to show them.

“We believe to change a city you must engage the city.” You will see evidence through our website of our purposeful effort to engage the community in the fight against HIV and AIDS in our cities.

Dedication to Dr. Joseph Jacques

This project has been named in memory of a dear friend to the Institute of Human Virology and well known contributor to the field of HIV and AIDS activism named Joseph William Jacques, PhD.

“Joe” as he was affectionately called by those who knew him devoted his life to improving the health and well being of patients infected with HIV.