As the AIDS epidemic developed in the United States, VITAS was reported to have been the first hospice provider to field patient care teams focused solely on caring for AIDS patients and their loved ones.

Today, VITAS supports the Foundation for Hospices in Sub-Saharan Africa to provide financial and in-kind support to front-line hospice providers in Sub-Saharan Africa. Through partnerships with five hospice programs, VITAS has supported professional exchanges and shared its resources and expertise on pain management and end-of-life care.