In a heartening development for South Florida's healthcare landscape, the University of Miami Health System has opened its doors to a brand-new HIV specialty clinic in Palmetto Bay, bringing hope and healing closer to the communities that need it most.

For residents living in Miami-Dade's southern neighborhoods, this means something truly special: access to world-class HIV care right in their own backyard. No more long commutes or scheduling challenges—expert treatment is now just around the corner.

"We're here, right in your neighborhood, and we're experts in the field," said Dr. Dushyantha Jayaweera, the clinic's attending physician and a professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. His words capture the essence of what makes this clinic so meaningful: combining convenience with exceptional expertise.

The clinic offers a comprehensive suite of services that address every aspect of HIV care. Patients receive routine HIV management from infectious disease specialists, treatment for co-existing conditions, preventive screenings, and medication support. The facility also provides antiretroviral therapy, hepatitis C care, PrEP services, gynecological services, pediatrics, and primary care—truly a one-stop destination for holistic health.

Through the Comprehensive AIDS Program, patients benefit from case management services and Ryan White eligibility assistance, ensuring that medical treatment integrates seamlessly with the financial and social support essential for long-term wellness.

Perhaps most inspiring is how far HIV treatment has come. Dr. Jayaweera, who has dedicated more than 30 years to HIV research and clinical care, has witnessed an extraordinary transformation. Today's HIV therapy often involves just a single pill once daily or long-acting injections every four to eight weeks. This remarkable simplicity has dramatically improved both treatment adherence and quality of life for patients.

The numbers tell an encouraging story. Nearly 70 percent of Floridians with diagnosed HIV are virally suppressed, and among those actively in care, an impressive 88 percent achieved viral suppression in 2023. With sustained viral suppression, the risk of transmitting HIV sexually becomes effectively zero—a game-changing reality that reduces stigma and empowers patients to live full, connected lives.

Miami-Dade County, historically a national epicenter for HIV, has been experiencing year-over-year declines in new infections thanks to expanded testing, broader access to care, and increasingly effective therapies. The expansion of pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, has further reduced new infections by about 99 percent when taken as prescribed.

The Palmetto Bay clinic builds on this momentum by removing barriers to care and meeting patients where they are—literally. Its thoughtful design and patient-centered approach reflect UHealth's deep commitment to making healthcare accessible, welcoming, and effective.

Patients who meet eligibility criteria may even participate in clinical research trials, connecting them to emerging therapies and expanding their treatment options. This bridge between cutting-edge research and everyday care exemplifies how academic medicine can directly benefit communities.

This new clinic isn't just a building—it's a beacon of hope, a testament to medical progress, and a promise that quality care should be within everyone's reach.