The Broward network for comprehensive care for AIDS: a public health response

Florida with 6,599 cases of AIDS as of January 30, 1989, and Broward County with 1,048 cases is experiencing a heavy impact on the health and social care systems, especially the public sector. The HRS/Broward County Public Health Unit, working with the Public Health Trust/Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, developed a case managed comprehensive network of services for persons with AIDS, emphasizing outpatient care, home health and support services. Working with community-based organizations and with the AIDS support group is critical to the success of such a project. One of the major goals is to decrease the burden on tax-assisted hospitals. Public health units in Florida are challenged to provide leadership in health care delivery to the underserved, and AIDS care is compatible with this concept. Unresolved issues remain regarding interactions with hospitals, regionalization and long-term funding.