AIDS PROJECT RI AND FAMILY SERVICE OF RI JOIN FORCES

The Merger Promises to Expand HIV/AIDS Services in Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, RI – At a press conference held today at Providence City Hall, AIDS Project Rhode Island (APRI) and Family Service of RI (FSRI) announced that they have merged with APRI becoming part of Family Service of RI. The new, expanded program will be known as AIDS Project Rhode Island, a division of Family Service of Rhode Island.

The decision by both of the boards reflects a growing belief among the organizations that by joining forces, they will be able to reach out and help a larger and more diverse group of people living with HIV and AIDS. “Bringing together these two organizations will only better serve the community at large,” said Margaret Holland McDuff, CEO of Family Service.  Sue Johnson, Board member at APRI remarked,  “This is really a win-win situation for the both of us.  It will not only strengthen both organizations, but the impact we can have on the community as well.”

Providence Mayor David Cicilline, former APRI Board Chair, speaking at the press conference said, “I am extremely pleased that two of Rhode Island’s most respected AIDS service organizations will be under one roof, reducing operating costs and ultimately better serving their current and future clients.”  Other speakers at the press conference, attended by several former and current board members and supporters of both organizations, stressed that combining the visibility of APRI with the exceptional history and reputation and strong administrative foundation of Family Service has leaders of both organizations excited.

According to both parties, the unification of two major HIV/AIDS service organizations will allow for a wider range of services being offered to their clients, along with creating a more powerful force to improve the way our healthcare system treats those living with chronic diseases. They spoke of the winning combination of APRI’s visibility and long history of serving the HIV/AIDS community, the historical ties between FSRI and APRI, and the reputation and strong administrative foundation of FSRI. 

Besides moving APRI offices to the FSRI headquarters, the leaders of both organizations ensured that they are working together to see that the services of both organizations remain the same.  “Our goal is for all APRI services, programs and staff to remain with APRI and all our current clients to keep their current case or support staff managers,” said Al Wroblewski, APRI former Executive Director who will remain in a leadership position.