Our History And Timeline
Vartkess and Rita Balian founded the AACA, Inc. (AACA), a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable nonprofit organization incorporated in the United States.
AACA, Inc. establishes the Armenian American Mammography University Center (AAMU) o the campus of the Yerevan State Medical University (YSMU) to address prevalent breast cancer deaths among women in Armenia and promote previously non-existent preventive healthcare practices in the country.
AACA establishes formal Radiology Department in the AAMUC.
Rita Balian organizes first-ever health walk in Yerevan, Armenia to promote women's health, breast cancer screening, and early detection.
Mobile Mammography clinic begins servicing other areas of Armenia
AACA is awarded first grant from the United States Agency for International Aid's (USAID), cementing partnership between AACA and the U.S. Embassy in Armenia to promote high-quality healthcare to the women of Armenia.
AACA introduces Gynecology Department and Pathology Lab for Cytology and Histology to provide early and accurate screening and treatment of cervical cancer, address prolonged infertility, and provide family planning services. AAMUC Gynecology Department pioneered the screening of cervical cancer in Armenia.
Sponsored by AACA, AAWC was registered as the first non-profit institution in Armenia.
Recognizing the importance of AACA's work in Armenia, the Armenian Government donates a five-story Soviet-era building and surrounding land to the AAWC through a special presidential decree in support of AAWC's mission.
AACA introduces the Endocrinology and Family Medicine Department at the AAWC to provide medical services in internal medicine and general health.
AACA establishes AAWC's Satellite Clinic in the city of Gavar, located on the shores of Lake Sevan. The clinic begins providing heavily subsidized or free primary and preventive healthcare services to address the exorbitant rate of breast abnormalities in an area with a population of over 200,000 people.
AACA partners with USAID's American Schools and Hospitals Abroad Program (USAID-ASHA) to strengthen further the relationship between Armenia and the United States and promote American best-practices in healthcare in Armenia.
AACA begins reconstruction, renovation, and seismic reinforcement of AAWC's Soviet-era building, previously donated by the Armenian Government.
AAWC began providing free primary healthcare services and educational outreach on healthy lifestyles during its Medical Outreach Missions in all of Armenia's administrative districts.
Osteoporosis screening (DEXA Unit) was introduced.
Renovation and seismic reinforcement of the AAWC building, using Armenian architectural styles is completed, turning AAWC into a 6-story, state-of-the-art, medical facility equipped with the latest medical technology, including solar power and combined heating and electrical systems.
Pharmacy and Hematology Lab was opened to provide ongoing access to essential medicines.
The Urology Department established to provide prostate cancer screening and detection.
AACA opens a Dental Clinic and Lab to address oral cavity health and soon after, establishes a state-of-the-art Surgery Center to provide breast, gynecological, and reconstructive surgeries.
The Diagnostic Imaging Department was established, equipped with USAID/ASHA-funded innovative Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Digital X-Rays, and Bone Densitometry.
AACA and the AAWC celebrate their 20th anniversary in Yerevan, Armenia with over 1,000 guests in attendance from across the world.
AACA marks AAWC's 20th anniversary at the Armenian Embassy in Washington, D.C., to strengthen U.S.-Armenia ties and recognize Armenian-American Diasporans for their invaluable contributions to making Armenia a Healthier Nation.
AACA is awarded another USAID/ASHA grant to fund innovative diagnostic and surgical equipment to promote women's empowerment through health and advance mutual understanding between the people of Armenia and the US.
The Neurology Department was added to address neurological disorders.
The Rexlexotherapy Department was added to focus on post-surgical rehabilitation, especially following breast surgical procedures.
AACA funds the expansion of the Surgery Department at the AAWC to meet the growing needs of new and returning patients.
The Gastroenterology Department was opened to screen, diagnose, and treat digestive disorders, with a focus on pancreatic diseases.
The Practology Department was added to treat health conditions that affect the lower digestive tract.
