The Alamo Area Resource Center has taken the occasion of World AIDS Day to announce plans to award three fellowships to students pursuing degrees in nursing, medicine and social work.
The three fellowships will begin in 2017 and provide $5000 per semester to three university students who will work at AARC’s LGBT Health Equity Clinic. Students will get the experience of collaborating with medical professionals in an actual medical and social services setting.
In it’s announcement, AARC explains, “With these fellowships, AARC seeks to encourage and support those hoping to serve others in their respective professions, while investing in students who are proven leaders in their academic achievements.”
AARC opened officially opened its LGBT clinic on November 3. The facility provides primary medical care, HIV specialty care, PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) and has an on-site pharmacy.
According to AARC, “Historically, the LGBT population in the city is one of the most medically underserved populations in South Texas. As the clinic expands, AARC will contract with LGBT and LGBT–friendly physicians and clinicians who are culturally sensitive and representative of the communities served.”
Each of AARC’s three fellowships has been named in honor of individuals “who have profoundly impacted the lives of other through tireless public service and volunteerism that exceeded all expectations.” Those three are:
- Janice Janell Teague “a tireless advocate of health care who provided care for some of the first diagnosed AIDS patients in rural Texas beginning in 1989.”
- James Randy Hinkle was “an AARC employee who served as Director of Programs for 23 years.” Hinkle was the force behind AARC’s innovative leadership in HIV services and on the core team that developed the “single point of care” model for those living with HIV.
- Linda Kay Kehl began volunteering at AARC during the early years of the AIDS pandemic. She baked desserts for clients, being dubbed the “dessert lady” and became a much-loved figure at the agency. Kehl would go on to serve on AARC’s board of directors during a time when the agency expanded its programs in housing, transportation and medical care. She now serves as AARC’s first Board Chair Emeritus.
Anyone interested in learning more about the student fellowships should contact AARC at (210) 625-7200.
