This year, AH Monroe proudly marks 40 years of service to the Florida Keys—a journey rooted in compassion, resilience, and community care.
Founded in 1986 at the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis, AH Monroe began as a grassroots response to an urgent need. What started as a small group of advocates and caregivers quickly grew into a trusted organization dedicated to meeting people where they are—especially those most impacted by health inequities, housing instability, and stigma.
The first AIDS Help Board of Directors meeting was held on April 1, 1986.
Over four decades, much has changed. Treatments have advanced. Conversations have evolved. Our community has grown stronger and more inclusive. And alongside it all, AH Monroe has continued to adapt—expanding services and deepening partnerships while staying grounded in the belief that everyone deserves access to care, dignity, and support.
Today, AH Monroe’s work spans both health and housing, reflecting a holistic understanding of well-being. From HIV prevention and testing, to primary care access, to safe and stable housing solutions, our mission remains centered on empowering individuals and strengthening the Keys as a whole.
As we celebrate this milestone, we’re not just looking back—we’re looking ahead.
Our 40th anniversary year is a time to honor the people who made this journey possible: the clients who trusted us, the staff and volunteers who showed up day after day, and the supporters who believed in this work long before it was widely understood or embraced.
It’s also a moment to recommit—to innovation, equity, and care that evolves with our community’s needs.
Throughout the year, we’ll be sharing stories from our past, celebrating the present, and inviting you to be part of what comes next. Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or are just getting to know AH Monroe, we’re glad to have you along the way.
Here’s to 40 years—and to the future we’re building, together.
From our earliest days to today, AH Monroe’s identity has shifted to reflect the times—while staying grounded in the same commitment to care, dignity, and community. The next chapter is just beginning.
