History
Earl Conner, an Episcopalian minister, became alarmed at the growing AIDS crisis in Indianapolis. He envisioned a coordinated community response by uniting existing groups within one facility. He received the support of Christ Church Cathedral (Episcopal) and the Cathedral of Saints Peter & Paul (Catholic) to establish the Damien Center in April of 1987. Since then, the Center has provided care to thousands of persons infected by HIV and their friends and families and has become a leader in HIV prevention, education, awareness, and advocacy. Though founded as an inter-faith collaboration, the Damien Center is a fully independent, non-sectarian not-for-profit public corporation.
Specialties
The Damien Center provides services to persons in central Indiana infected with HIV / AIDS, as well as their affected friends and families. These services are designed to empower clients to deal with challenges encountered when living with HIV infection. The Center offers prevention services and testing designed to stop the spread of HIV disease. The Center provides services to the community by offering educational programs, advocacy and research.