Metro, CAN commit to doubling inclusive services in Tampa Bay

ABOVE: Community leaders gather at the German American Club with Metro’s inclusivity flag June 30. Photo courtesy Metro Inclusive Health.

TAMPA | Metro Inclusive Health, CAN Community Health and community leaders closed out Pride Month June 30 at the German American Club, committing to double inclusive services in Tampa Bay by 2021.

The health partners first announced their Tampa expansion in 2019. They acquired the historic Ybor City venue to transform it into a 30,000-square-foot health and community center, breaking ground on the project that year.

“As a local organization, we have grown alongside Tampa Bay by serving the community’s holistic health needs,” Metro Inclusive Health CEO Lorraine Langlois shared at the time. “Being able to restore and modernize this beautiful piece of local history for the community while expanding our impact fits right in line with our organizational mission.”

“CAN and Metro started their partnership in 2013, building what has become a model for us in other communities across Florida, the east coast and Puerto Rico,” CAN Community Health CEO Rick Carlisle added. “This investment in our community will continue to transform modern healthcare services for all in the Tampa Bay area.”

In 2019, the partnership reached more than 30,000 people with its inclusive care and programming. Nearly 19,000 individuals received one-on-one services and more than 11,000 were engaged via outreach and educational events.

“We strive to promote a healthy environment for all and to foster diversity within the community as a whole, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or economic status,” Metro shares. “Out groundbreaking approach to inclusive care has provided ongoing support for our community across Tampa Bay. We’re ready to double that impact.”

Once complete, the renovated Tampa location will provide more than 100 services and programs focused on health and wellbeing. Services will include primary care, behavioral health, psychiatric med management, HIV medical care and case management and STI education and prevention, including testing, PrEP and nPEP.

Representatives from Metro and CAN reflected on their plans by raising Metro’s inclusivity flag at the location June 30. Metro Chief Marketing & Experience Officer Brian Bailey, Director of Development James Keane and Division Director of Community Initiatives Nate Taylor were joined by CAN Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations Katy Wendel, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and City Council Chair Guido Maniscalco.

The flag incorporates various LGBTQ identities enclosed in a bracket for inclusivity, representing the organization’s commitment to foster an environment where all are welcome. It was created for St Pete Pride 2019.

“It resonated with people and we’ve continued to use it across various executions,” Bailey explains. “It just so happened that the bulk of the building renovations and construction were taking place during June, and we floated the idea of a flag raising with the mayor’s office to close out the month – of course she obliged. She is an amazing advocate of what we do and loves to talk about Metro anytime she gets the opportunity. We are very thankful for that.”

To make expanding services a reality, the organization also has fundraising goals to offset construction costs. “If we can raise $1 million from donors and sponsors, we can continue to maximize our own resources towards serving more of the community,” Bailey says.

He adds that there are a variety of ways to help to support Tampa’s future home for inclusive health, with some as simple as becoming a patient. Through Metro’s Copay it Forward program, insured individuals make health care available to those without insurance at no extra cost.

Following the ceremony, Metro also reflected on raising the flag via social media. “Big day today! We raised the Inclusivity flag at our future Tampa location,” they shared. “Now, we raise the funds to turn it into Tampa’s new home for inclusive health! Our goal is to raise $1 million by the end of 2020. Contribute to our mission today: Text METRO to 44321.”

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For more information about supporting the expansion or to donate, visit MetroTampaBay.org/Tampa or contact Director of Development James Keane at JamesK@MetroTampaBay.org or 727-321-3854 ext. 1246. For more information about Metro’s Copay it Forward program, visit MetroTampaBay.org/CopayItForward.

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