Portland, OR | September 30, 2016 - Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded $100,000 from the City of Portland to support the opening of an LGBTQ+ focused primary care health center. The grant was awarded through the City Special Appropriation Fund and unanimously approved by City Council on September 28, 2016.

“We are extremely gratified to receive this significant support from the City of Portland.” said Tyler TerMeer, CAP’s Executive Director. “In times like these, it’s crucial that the LGBTQ+ community knows they have the support of our elected officials. The award of these funds unequivocally shows that our City Council values and supports us. We salutethem for their leadership.”

The LGBTQ+ Health Center, slated to open in early 2017 and conveniently located at 2236 SE Belmont Street in Portland, Oregon, will offer a safe, affirming, and non-judgmental space where all members of the LGBTQ community can obtain the compassionate and culturally effective health care they need and deserve. In addition to comprehensive primary care, it is anticipated that the LGBTQ+ Health Center will offer specialized services for the transgender community, HIV and sexually transmitted disease testing, mental health counseling, and integrated pharmacy services.

“Providing culturally affirming care is key to improving health outcomes for the LGBTQ community,” said TerMeer, “and with a growing LGBTQ population, we need to take action now to ensure that their health needs are met. With this clinic, CAP will remove barriers, improve access, and most importantly provide quality health care for all LGBTQ patients in the Portland metro region.”