Overview

The JACQUES Initiative (JI), a program of the Institute of Human Virology (IHV) at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, was established in 2003 and is named for Joe Jacques, a psychologist who helped establish the first HIV support group for Baltimore’s most vulnerable persons living with HIV.

Mission

Our mission is to change lives, engage communities, and support health systems affected by HIV and Hepatitis C virus (HCV). JI achieves this mission through a holistic approach by leading individuals, their families and communities of the City of Baltimore through a Journey to Wellness.

Vision

The JACQUES Initiative envisions:

• Healthy citizens of Baltimore, free of HIV and HCV stigma and overcoming health disparities.
• Engaged communities who are educated, aware and accessing the resources available to them to live free of or live well with HIV and HCV.
• Supported health care systems, pursuing a seamless HIV and HCV continuum of care, overcoming gaps in services through collaboration with partners who complement them.