On March 10, 2022, the Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2022 spending package. The LGBT Life Center is proud to announce that it will receive $1,800,000 in funding to expand services in Hampton, allowing the agency to reduce barriers to accessing care for LGBTQ+ and HIV+ individuals in Hampton Roads. While this money is a great step in the right direction, we still need your support.
Our expansion onto the Peninsula will reduce barriers, create equitable access to medical care, and ensure the delivery of LGBTQ+ affirming and culturally competent medical care for a vulnerable community that has barriers in accessing services in mainstream venues. Additionally, the LGBT Life Center will be a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth and adults to seek support and life saving resources.
By partnering with local community leaders, the Center will provide health education, youth and adult services, cultural competency trainings, and an affirming space for community gatherings on the Peninsula.
WHY? The LGBT Life Center has proudly served the Hampton Roads area since 1989. The mission of the LGBT Life Center includes providing testing and treatment, which is much needed in the Hampton area.
Of all new HIV diagnoses in 2020*:
- 27.9% of new HIV diagnoses in the Eastern Virginia district came from the Peninsula
- 10.3% of all new HIV diagnoses in Virginia came from the Peninsula
- 22% of individuals living with HIV in Eastern Virginia are from the Peninsula
- Peninsula saw more new HIV diagnoses in 2020 than Virginia Beach or Norfolk
HOW CAN I HELP? While we are extremely grateful to receive this funding, we still need your help. This funding will help cover construction, but there’s more support needed. We are asking for your support to help raise additional funds to cover any unseen costs.
Thank you to the incredible and unwavering support from Congressman Bobby Scott, Senator Tim Kaine, and Senator Mark Warner. Their support, combined with the support of Hampton Mayor, Donnie R. Tuck, will enable the LGBT Life Center to improve community health outcomes and offer a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals living on the Peninsula.
*Data provided by the Virginia Department of Health.
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