ABOVE: Metro Inclusive Health in Ybor. Photo by Dylan Todd.
TAMPA | Metro Inclusive Health opened its 30,000-square-foot facility in Ybor Aug. 2, an expansion that will allow the nonprofit to double its services throughout the area.
The organization first pledged to do so in 2019, when along with longtime health partner CAN Community Health they acquired Ybor’s German American Club with Alliant Partners. They broke ground on the project that year.
To restore the historic structure and construct a 15,000-square-foot addition, Metro launched a Raise the Roof fundraising campaign. Of its $1 million goal, $400,000 has been raised.
That total includes $100,000 from the Vinik Family Foundation, managed by Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik and his wife Penny. The organization has donated more than $75 million to nonprofits since 1997.
“Healthy communities make successful communities,” Jeff Vinik said in a statement. “With Tampa Bay’s fast growth as a highly desirable place to live, work and play, the health equity services provided by Metro Inclusive Health are paramount to our communities long-term sustainability. We are so thankful for the work they do and are pleased to support their growth and impact on our Tampa Bay region.”
The renovated space includes nine intake rooms, 10 exam rooms, two HIV and STI testing rooms, on-site labs, an on-site pharmacy, five counseling rooms, three conference and meeting rooms and a Grand Hall. The event space’s balcony will be named after the Viniks to honor their donation.
“We are so grateful for this incredible gift,” Metro Inclusive Health CEO Lorraine Langlois shared. “Their generosity and vision have changed Tampa Bay in countless ways. Their support of Metro Inclusive Health will improve the health and wellbeing of many of our friends and neighbors and will have a major impact on our community for years to come.”
Metro will offer more than 100 services and programs focused on the health and wellbeing of Tampa Bay’s diverse community. They include primary care, behavioral health, HIV medical care, STI prevention and more.
As the facility is located within Tampa’s 33605 zip code, with a makeup of 62% of residents who are Black and 22% who are Hispanic, Metro also notes that it will help increase access to care for communities of color. They also hope it will serve as the home of social programming for LGBTQ youth, young adults, seniors and the transgender community.
Metro also purchased a 1,500-square-foot, single family home beside the facility for that purpose. The structure will mirror Metro’s LGBTQ Welcome Center in St. Petersburg, which serves as a resource and hub for the LGBTQ residents and visitors. Renovations began after its sale finalized July 15.
Fundraising continues for Metro’s Tampa expansion, located at 2105 N. Nebraska Ave. To learn more, read Watermark’s in-depth coverage and visit MetroTampaBay.org/Tampa. View our photos by Dylan Todd below:
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