About us
Our story
History and Purpose of Organization: Baton Rouge AIDS Society (BRASS) was founded on October 5, 1998. Since then, BRASS has continued to grow and serve the seven parish area that includes Baton Rouge (Region II). In 2025, the corporate office moved to Orlando and opened BRASS Florida. As a former Disease Intervention Specialist, the CEO/Founder saw a need to combat the rise of HIV/AIDS and other STDs with an increase in education, outreach and testing efforts.
The mission of Baton Rouge AIDS Society (BRASS) is to serve as a testing and training provider to the state of Louisiana and Florida, with special emphasis on the Greater Baton Rouge and Orlando areas, offering avenues which foster ethical, personal, social-emotional and intellectual development. We believe these qualities are essential to making appropriate choices that will ultimately decrease the spread of HIV/AIDS and other STDs, as well as increase civic responsibility.
BRASS has committed 27 years to filling the gaps in services within Region II in regards to the heavy impact that HIV/AIDS and other STDs has had within our area. In 2000, the initial support of the Baton Rouge Area Foundation allowed BRASS to establish itself on the property of 4550/4560 North Blvd., where it was located for 17 years. In 2019, BRASS moved to 646 North Foster Dr., Suite A, where it is still located. BRASS, with the addition of its Louisiana Prevention Training Center, is located in mid-city Baton Rouge. Only two blocks form Baton Rouge Community College and one mile from Baton Rouge General Hospital. As we begin to celebrate 28 years of community service in October of 2027, we realize that the need to close the gaps in health related services are stronger than ever before.
In 2024, Florida ranked number one in the country with the highest rate of new HIV cases. The next year, BRASS moved its coporate office to Orlando, Florida. Through the years, we have been able to reach thousands of individuals through our outreach efforts and educational sessions. In 1999 we received approval of an IRS recognized 501(c)3 nonprofit status. In addition, on June 9, 1999, we formally established a Board of Directors. Our adopted slogan is “Together We Can Make A Difference!”
Project P.L.A.N.T.
Project P.L.A.N.T. — Building Health Through Community Outreach
Project P.L.A.N.T. (People Living with an AIDS diagnosis and Never Tested) is a powerful community-based initiative by BRASS designed to strengthen outreach and improve access to care. Through this program, BRASS provides FREE HIV Counseling, Testing, and Referral Services across the state of Louisiana and Florida.
By offering mobile testing, BRASS brings essential health services directly to neighborhoods most affected by health disparities. By meeting people where they are — in their communities — Project P.L.A.N.T. fosters trust, awareness, and empowerment, helping individuals take charge of their health while strengthening the overall well-being of our region.
Purpose
BRASS is an non-profit AIDS Servicing Organization (ASO) that has served as a Counseling, Testing and Referral Services resource center for individuals who are unaware of health services and/or unable to obtain such services due to residential and social barriers. Over the years, the agency has provided services that include, but is not limited to, the following: HIV/AIDS Education, HIV Counseling - Testing - and Referral Services, Tobacco Control and Prevention Sessions, Community Outreach and Education, Parental Information Resource Center, and multiple Volunteer Opportunities.
The agency has had much collaborative success with other agencies. Throughout the years, BRASS has secured funding from the Louisiana Office of Public Health, Baton Rouge Area Foundation, United States Office of Minority Health, United Stated Department of Education, Office of Women’s Health, Smash Hits HIV/AIDS Fund, Pfizer Foundation, Junior League of Baton Rouge and several local civic organizations. Our collaborative partners include: American Red Cross, Alliance House Residential Center, Department of Education, Early Intervention Center, Family Service, Family Road, HAART, Louisiana School for the Deaf, O’Brien House, Office of Public Health STD Clinic, Volunteers of America, Office of Public Health – HAP, Our Lady of the Lake, And much more…...
The agency has had much collaborative success with other agencies. Throughout the years, BRASS has secured funding from the Louisiana Office of Public Health, Baton Rouge Area Foundation, United States Office of Minority Health, United Stated Department of Education, Office of Women’s Health, Smash Hits HIV/AIDS Fund, Pfizer Foundation, Junior League of Baton Rouge and several local civic organizations. Our collaborative partners include: American Red Cross, Alliance House Residential Center, Department of Education, Early Intervention Center, Family Service, Family Road, HAART, Louisiana School for the Deaf, O’Brien House, Office of Public Health STD Clinic, Volunteers of America, Office of Public Health – HAP, Our Lady of the Lake, And much more…...