Tampabay: AIDS service groups to join forces

TAMPA -- In an effort to streamline costs and consolidate funding sources, the Tampa AIDS Network announced Tuesday it will merge with Gulf Coast Jewish Family Services.

Gulf Coast Community Care, a major division of Gulf Coast Jewish Family Services, serves AIDS-afflicted clients in Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando counties. They offer essentially the same services as TAN in Hillsborough County.

The merger won't affect services provided by either organization, said Harvey Landress, vice president for planning for Gulf Coast Jewish Family Services. It will help monetarily, he said.

"By bringing them together, we'll have a better opportunity at both name recognition and the ability to compete for grants because of its regional nature," Landress said. "And we'll be able to, in a clearer way, attract clients."

Both organizations provide case management, housing vouchers, emergency rent, food and mental health counseling, among other services. Now those efforts won't be duplicated, said Michael Bernstein, president of Gulf Coast Jewish Family Services. "Not one case manager . . . will be cut," Bernstein said. "That was crucial to TAN and important to Gulf Coast."

TAN was established in 1985 and serves 1,500 clients in Hillsborough County. Gulf Coast Jewish Family Services has served HIV/AIDS patients since 1990 and has 700 clients in three counties.

Some TAN officials will join the Gulf Coast board, Bernstein said.

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