The Down East AIDS Network was founded in 1987 in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in rural Down East Maine. It grew out of the sadness and anger of Down East Maine’s LGBTQ+ community who were overwrought with watching their loved ones waste away and die while the Government would not even acknowledge the virus’ existence. A couple of filing cabinets in a living room and a handful of immensely passionate and committed people provided what comfort they could, helping clients navigate the complicated system of health care and social assistance in an era before the advent of effective HIV medications.

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With the passage of the Ryan White Cares Act in 1990, the agency finally received the support it needed to more effectively address the growing epidemic. Incorporating and hiring their first paid Director, the organization became a vital support for the rural region’s HIV positive population, providing critical case management and social support. They further grew to provide invaluable prevention services, including education and HIV testing, followed later by syringe services.

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In 2011, the Board of the Down East AIDS Network began a prolonged strategic planning process that would lead to a dramatic overhaul of the agency’s mission and vision. This process was informed and inspired by the recognition that the diverse communities they served had a commonality of a history of social marginalization -and they all experienced a multitude of other health disparities beyond incidence of HIV, and that these two facts were inextricably interconnected. The real issue, the Board recognized, was not just HIV/AIDS or other health disparities, but marginalization itself.

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In 2013, the Down East AIDS Network adopted the Eastern Maine AIDS Network -a sister program based in Bangor- leading to the formation of Health Equity Alliance. Driven by a mission to “empower marginalized communities to improve their health and well-being and affect social and cultural change,” Health Equity Alliance has developed into a regional Health Justice organization, with offices throughout Northern and Central Maine. Our work has also expanded to explore the intersection between the disciplines of public health and social justice, in an effort to end health disparities by changing the social systems that perpetuate marginalization.

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Today Health Equity Alliance works closely with marginalized communities throughout Maine through programs advancing the health and well-being of people living with HIV, people who use drugs, the LGBTQ+ community, and others. Our work includes individual-direct service programs, capacity building and technical assistance initiatives intended to foster more affirming services and practices, efforts to build community and relational power, and the advancement of public policy priorities that will have a real and lasting impact upon the lives of marginalized Mainers.