Program History

The University of Miami Comprehensive AIDS Program (CAP) was established to increase access and ensure comprehensive medical care to HIV/AIDS patients regardless of their ability to pay for services. CAP began during the early 1990s with a need to consolidate efforts to medically treat HIV/AIDS patients and to partner with county/federal government agencies. The need has been from the very start of the program to establish a means for patients with HIV/AIDS to get treatment regardless of their ability to pay for the medical services/treatment. CAP facilitates patients to get treatment from any UM medical department and works with UM departments to recoup for indigent and uncovered insurance services. This process has grown and succeeded over the years so that UM is now the largest provider for HIV/AIDS medical services in Miami-Dade County.

In addition, CAP ensures rural healthcare by providing care in the Florida City area, provides education and testing through its outreach services and maintains a strong advocacy effort for patients' needs in healthcare and in the community through participation in various federal, state and local planning agencies.