Board-Certified HIV/AIDS Specialist and Public Health Physician to Lead Clinical Operations and Expand Integrated Care Across Central Florida
— Hope and Help of Central Florida, Inc. (dba Hope & Help), a leading nonprofit healthcare organization dedicated to providing comprehensive testing, medical and preventive services, and community-centric health education and resources to those facing HIV and other STIs, announces the appointment of Dr. Jeremy Aguinaldo, MD, MPH, CPH, AAHIVS, as its new Medical Director.
Hope & Help, founded in 1988, was the first Central Florida agency to provide comprehensive case management, HIV/STI testing, prevention, education, and resources for people with HIV/AIDS. The organization’s mobile testing units, bilingual services, and harm-reduction initiatives reflect its commitment to equity, compassion, and access.
Dr. Aguinaldo brings over 15 years of experience in public health, preventive medicine, and HIV/STI care to his new role at Hope & Help. As the nonprofit’s Medical Director, he will oversee clinical operations, lead multidisciplinary care teams, and help drive Hope & Help’s mission of achieving equitable, stigma-free healthcare access across the Central Florida region.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Aguinaldo to the Hope & Help team,” said Thresa Giles, CEO of Hope & Help. “His expertise and proven track record of leading complex, multidisciplinary teams align perfectly with our vision to expand access, enhance care quality, and innovate in service delivery in Central Florida.”
A leader in clinical health, Dr. Aguinaldo is a board-certified Public Health and Preventive Medicine physician and a certified HIV/AIDS specialist who has dedicated his career to improving health outcomes for patients from underserved demographics. He most recently served as Medical Director at the Hope Center in Macon, Georgia, where he managed a high-volume HIV clinic serving 13 counties across the state. His work has spanned comprehensive HIV testing and treatment, integrating medical policy and compliance with behavioral health, telehealth expansion and community and stakeholder engagement, and offering innovative solutions to combat the persistent stigma and social determinants of health such as transportation barriers, housing instability, and LGBTQ+ discrimination.
Dr. Aguinaldo’s training and background include a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from St. George’s University, a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Global Health and Communicable Diseases from the University of South Florida, and a Preventive Medicine residency at Morehouse School of Medicine, where he served as Chief Medical Resident. He is also a commissioned Preventive Medicine Officer (60C) in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and a registered member of the American Academy of HIV Medicine, the American College of Preventive Medicine, the American Medical Association, and the American Public Health Association.
Dr. Aguinaldo’s leadership philosophy is centered on active listening, clear accountability, and collaborative problem-solving, aligning with Hope & Help’s culture of community engagement and innovation in care.
For press inquiries or more information about Dr. Jeremy Aguinaldo’s new role as Medical Director, contact Anna Kate Womack, Publicist at Otter PR, at annakate.womack@otterpr.com.
About Hope and Help of Central Florida
As seen in the Orlando Sentinel and on WESH 2, Hope and Help of Central Florida, Inc. (dba Hope & Help) is a Central Florida nonprofit healthcare organization dedicated to ending the HIV/STI epidemic through prevention, testing, treatment, and education. Founded in 1988, Hope & Help serves communities across the region through its bilingual clinic, mobile testing units, and harm-reduction programs, including IDEA Orlando, Florida’s state-approved syringe-service initiative. Guided by a mission of equity, compassion, and access, the organization empowers individuals to take control of their sexual health and works toward a future where every person can live healthy, informed, and stigma-free.
Contact Info:
Name: Anna Kate Womack
Email: Send Email
Organization: Otter PR
Website: https://hopeandhelp.org/
Release ID: 89201494
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