The Southwest Center has received a $25,000 grant from Health Care Advocates International (HCAI) as part of their effort to advance healthcare equity. This grant aims to support the LGBTQIA2S+ community by providing much-needed access to healthcare services.
The grant will help cover out-of-pocket costs for patients and increase access to PrEP/PEP, gender-affirming care, primary care, and mental health services. This is especially important considering that the Williams Institute reports that 4.5% of U.S. adults identify as LGBTQIA2S+, with 1.4 million identifying as transgender. Discrimination in healthcare settings has been a longstanding barrier, but Southwest Center's inclusive approach seeks to establish long-term relationships and ensure well-being without bias.
Jessyca Leach, the Executive Director of Southwest Center, highlighted that the grant will support the community through various medical services and education, welcoming everyone regardless of status. Pattie McKnight, Executive Director of HCAI, also underscored Southwest Center's dedicated focus on the unique healthcare needs of the LGBTQ+ community.
Since its establishment, HCAI has provided over $2 million in funding, and The HCAI Fund, launched in 2023, aims to support organizations that serve and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Gary Blick, the founder of HCAI, expressed pride in the support provided to organizations like Southwest Center, which are essential in fulfilling HCAI's mission.
