HARP - About Us
Mission
“The mission of HIV/AIDS Resource Program (HARP) of Victoria is to act as the public servants for HIV+ clients and those affected by HIV in our community. We vow to do this by educating, assisting, and directing in a confidential, safe, and non-judgmental environment.”
Our Goals
Our goals follow the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, Healthy People 2020 and the Texas Department of State Health Services’ HIV Plan to: 1) minimize the number of new HIV infections; 2) to maximize the number of people with HIV infection who access appropriate care, treatment, support, prevention services; 3) to reduce HIV/AIDS related disparities and; 4) reduce deaths due to HIV infection.
History
VCCHD/Special Services was established in January 1992 through a collaborative effort between Victoria City-County Health Department and Gulf Bend MHMR Center to secure Ryan White CARE Act Title II funds. Beginning with a very modest budget and just four clients, Special Services has served more than 400 HIV+ people in the Crossroads area.
The name "Special Services" was dropped in June 2015 in favor of "HIV/AIDS Resources Program of Victoria" or "HARP of Victoria". The name change more accurately and boldly reflects the purpose of the program and a desire to be viewed as a resource for the communities we serve.
HARP of Victoria is committed to providing client services that are:
- Defined by the needs of the infected and affected community;
- Designed to encourage client responsibility;
- Efficient and cost-effective;
- Delivered in a professional manner.