Our Mission
Empowering central Texans by providing sexual health and wellness services that serve the body, mind and spirit.
ASHwell’s Story
Our Vision
We envision a community made up of individuals, regardless of status, station, or background, that are empowered to navigate their own sexual health and wellness without shame, stigma or judgment.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
ASHwell is passionately committed to diversity, equity, and belonging. We strive to provide a safe, discrimination-free space for all. Predominately serving the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities, our aim is to empower individuals through comprehensive sexual health and wellness services, challenging norms, and fostering dignity, respect, and liberation for all.
Our History
ASHwell, formerly known by many names including the Wright House Wellness Center and The Austin Immunity Health Clinic, traces its roots back to 1988 when individuals living with AIDS and holistic health therapy practitioners in Austin, TX united with a vision.
Our founders’ original mission was to support those with HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C (“HCV”) with holistic therapies. With medical advancements shifting the focus from delaying death to managing illness and improving quality of life, ASHwell’s programs have evolved and adapted with community need.
Today, we strive to deliver comprehensive, whole-person care to promote sexual health and wellness in communities most at risk of contracting HIV and HCV, including people of color, men who have sex with men and women, people of the trans experience, and people who use drugs in Central Texas. We offer medical care, integrative holistic care, plus social wellness care and patient advocacy. We promote destigmatization of sex and drug use, celebration of identity and sexuality, and radical inclusion and acceptance of people as they are. Our holistic approach carries on our long tradition of integrating complementary health therapies, recognizing their effectiveness in addressing chronic pain and illnesses. As we continue to grow, we remain dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive space, empowering all individuals to take charge of their sexual health and well-being.
A Quick Snapshot
1983
The first case of HIV was diagnosed in Austin, TX, two years after the first case in the U.S.
1988
The Austin Immune Health Clinic was established by a group of individuals living with AIDS.
1991
The Austin Immune Health Clinic changes its name to HIV Wellness Center.
2001
HIV Wellness Center grows into Wright House Wellness Center.
2001-2018
The Center evolved to serve populations at the greatest risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases in the lower income areas of Austin, TX.
2018
The Wright House becomes ASHwell, standing for Austin Sexual Health + Wellness.
The ASHwell Red River St. Clinic opens to the public.
2019
ASHwell started offering 100% premium assistance to our patients to secure healthcare insurance coverage through the ACA.
2021
ASHwell's Peer Support program launches, empowering clients living with HIV.
2023
ASHwell begins offering NO COST access to holistic services for clients thanks to AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine.
Our Impact
ASHwell strives toward achieving health equity and reducing barriers to access for queer and trans folx, people of color, people who use drugs, and others historically left behind by the healthcare system. As access to PrEP and gender affirming care face relentless and baseless attacks and the need for our services increases, we have reaffirmed our commitment to our patient-clients, partners, and funders with strategic moves to expand access and improve public health outcomes. From our groundbreaking integrated hep-C program to our peer advocacy and holistic care services, ASHwell’s team continues to craft imaginative programming that address the unmet needs of our community. ASHwell stands out in its creative approach to integrated, whole-person care to cure hep-C and end HIV in a sex-positive, kink-friendly, and overall affirming environment for every patient-client that walks in our doors.
Our Bi-Annual Impact Reports provide an overview of our services, accomplishments, and financial wellness, and even more importantly, it allows us the opportunity to give everyone from partners and funders to our patient-clients a transparent snapshot of where we are at and where we are going. We want all of you to know our strengths and areas we aim to grow in — because YOU are the heart and soul of ASHwell, and it would be impossible to keep Austin sexy, healthy, and empowered without you by our side.
