CAN Community Health is a successful nonprofit organization with a Phoenix clinic specializing in the destigmatization and affordable care of individuals with STDs through outreach, clinical practice, education and advocacy. CAN’s clinic is located at 4244 N 19th Ave in Phoenix.
CAN Community Health was founded in Sarasota Florida in 1991 by Susan Terry. The organization slowly grew over the years and expanded into a nationwide network.
MORE NEWS: Small Giants launches Academy for Construction Excellence
“We have grown from just one clinic in 1991 to now over 30 locations spanning several states across the nation,” said Grace Ashu, an employee at CAN.
CAN began as a clinic to help treat patients with AIDS and HIV. The program expanded to treat all STDs, ranging from HIV to Hepatitis C. CAN is the second largest HIV provider in the U.S.
According to the City of Phoenix, Phoenix has an HIV prevalence rate of 262 per 100,000 persons. Maricopa County Department of Public Health states that STDs have been rising in Phoenix.
CAN provides comprehensive care to all people in need of their services. The comprehensive care includes medical care and several counseling services. Many patients can receive an ‘assistance fund’ to lower the cost of the services.
Prescription drug services are provided to all patients to ‘remove barriers to care’ for people struggling with receiving medicine for treating and preventing different diseases and STDs.
“We aim to serve humanity as the leading resource for education, prevention, and quality care,” said Justice Gennari the National Director of Marketing and Communications at CAN.
The Phoenix location has several services. The clinic provides free STD testing for all people and rapid laboratory results. The clinic provides patients with a visit to their onsight practitioner, nPEP, which provides anti-retroviral drugs to combat high-risk HIV exposure, and harm reduction education. Aside from the medical, the clinic provides extra care support groups.
CAN is partnered with Pueblo Family Physicians to expand its reach and help more people.
The clinic hosts several events in the community to help educate and offer free testing. These events include participating in the annual Aunt Ritas AIDS Walk and other smaller mobile treatment center events located throughout the Phoenix area. The mobile treatment center offers free full-pannel screenings and other free products like condoms.
“I think the free testing is the best thing that they do, it saved me a lot of money and makes me feel safer,” said Zack, a recipient of the free testing provided by CAN at one of their mobile events.
One big goal of the clinic is to destigmatize HIV and STDs through education. The organization created an education outreach program to inform people with essential safety knowledge while also welcoming them into a larger community.
With 300 employees nationwide, CAN Community Health has helped over 26,000 people in the 2023-2024 year.
According to CAN’s 2022 yearly report, the organization receives $316 million in revenue while spending $290 million on expenses.
CAN receives its funding through government grants and the 340B savings program. The 340B program requires pharmaceutical companies to provide outpatient drugs to organizations. CAN’s expenses are allocated to patient care and administration salaries.
In an interview with Gennari, she talks about her experience working with the organization.
“Working at CAN is more than just a job; it’s a passion. It’s fulfilling to be part of an organization that not only allows me to fight for others, tackle HIV stigma, and spread knowledge of our services but also works tirelessly to improve the community for everyone, regardless of identity or financial ability. We’re committed to providing equitable care for all, making every day a rewarding experience.”
