The DOC began housing its first AIDS cases in a facility formerly called Rikers Island Hospital. Later, with the projected increase in persons with AIDS, it became clear that a plan was needed to include health care providers, the department's training academy, senior staff, correctional officers, and inmates. The establishment of a special unit for persons with AIDS involved volunteers, staff development, bereavement training, and incentives for staff to participate in the unit's program. Additional DOC initiatives related to AIDS include the construction of a 212-bed infirmary complex, the provision of AZT in all DOC facilities, compassionate release for terminally ill inmates, condom distribution, AIDS orientation for new inmates, and substance abuse treatment.