For Immediate Release:

(St. Petersburg, FL) July 1, 2015 – Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has announced that it has awarded Metro Wellness & Community Centers with $350,000 over 5 years in new funding to provide HIV High Impact prevention. This funding is part of the CDC’s $216 million project to reduce the rates of infection in the hardest-hit areas of the United States.

Florida currently ranks first in the nation for newly diagnosed HIV cases, and third in the nation for newly diagnosed AIDS cases. Hillsborough County ranks first in the state with newly diagnosed HIV cases and Pinellas County as seventh. “The epidemic in our area is alarming especially for those under 29 yrs of age. Through Metro’s HIV testing alone in the month of June there were 10 new positive persons identified,” said Lorraine Langlois, CEO.

The CDC adds to current funding from the Florida Department of Health for increased prevention education for positives and high risk negative programming. “This type of programming helps us increase awareness and health among those who have been diagnosed with HIV, and hopefully reducing the transmission of HIV. This funding is perfect timing with our new primary care clinic which will offer PrEP treatment among other LGBTQ services.” say Priya Rajkumar, VP.  This is the first time in years that a community based organization in Tampa Bay has received direct funding from the CDC for HIV prevention. Metro is one of only three grantees in Florida to receive funding.

Some additional services provided through the funding includes couples counseling, increased treatment adherence education and ensuring access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for individuals at high risk of infection. Metro just recently announced the opening of LGBTQ Primary Care Clinics which will provide these increased services to help stop the spread of HIV in our communities.

To learn more visit www.metrotampabay.org

Metropolitan Charities, Inc. d/b/a Metro Wellness and Community Centers is a 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to provide quality health and wellness services that are inclusive, relevant, support, and represent the lifetime continuum of the diverse people in our community. 

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Media Contact:

Metro Wellness & Community Centers

Chris Rudisill, Director of LGBT Community Center Services

Phone: 727-321-3854 ext. 238

Email: chrisr@metrotampabay.org