FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Portland, OR – Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) is excited to announce the grand opening of its second Prism Health clinic in the historic Eliot neighborhood at 15 N Morris St., Portland, OR. The event, held on Saturday, June 29th, 2024, celebrated a significant expansion of services, continuing Prism Health's commitment to providing culturally specific, affirming, and integrated care in Primary Care, Behavioral Health, and Pharmacy Services.

Since its launch in 2017, Prism Health has become a cornerstone of community-based health care, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community and those living with HIV.

“The overwhelming public support since the clinic's inception reflects the critical need for such services," said Connie Silver, Prism Health Medical Director.

The new clinic, Prism Health | Morris, follows three years of dedicated planning, development, and fundraising, culminating in a state-of-the-art 7,500 square foot facility that doubles patient capacity and offers comprehensive health services, including pediatrics and obstetrics. It is strategically located near Dawson Park, several historically black community organizations, public transportation options, public housing, and Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, enhancing access to health services for the community.

"This location will allow us to cultivate stronger community partnerships and reach more people who need our services," added Jessica Cole, Director of Healthcare Operations.

The building that Prism Health | Morris now calls home has provided underserved communities with compassionate health care for decades. It was originally owned by barrier-breaking Oregon physician, Dr. Walter C. Reynolds, who was the first Black graduate of the University of Oregon’s medical school (now OHSU). Prism Morris will honor this legacy by offering comprehensive primary care as well as transgender health services, HIV and STI testing, mental health services, and an integrated, on-site pharmacy to anyone seeking compassionate health care, regardless of ability to pay.

The expansion was made possible by a robust funding coalition, including a notable $4 million from the Oregon legislature, aimed at addressing the state's mental health and substance use disorder crises.

“These shovel-ready projects will benefit communities in every corner of Oregon,” said Rep. Tawna Sanchez, who represents a district in North/Northeast Portland and co-chairs the Legislature’s budget committee. “This is a great thing for my Portland community and the next right step towards ensuring Oregonians of all backgrounds can get high quality, affordable care when they need it.”

In addition to the funds provided through the landmark spending bill, CAP received numerous gifts and grants through new partners and long-time supporters including:

• A $618,000 grant from the Oregon Health Authority

• A $300,000 grant from Seeding Justice

• A $250,000 grant from Care Oregon for start-up staffing costs

• A $200,000 special appropriation from the City of Portland

• A $100,000 grant from the Hillman Family Foundation

• A $100,000 grant from the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation

• A $72,000 grant from Prosper Portland

• A $20,000 gift from Ed Cauduro Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation

"Thanks to our funders and partners, we're not only continuing Dr. Walter C. Reynolds' legacy of compassionate care but also expanding it to meet today's community needs," expressed Paul Lumley, CAP CEO

About Cascade AIDS Project

Founded in 1983 and incorporated in 1985 as the Cascade AIDS Project, CAP is the oldest and largest community-based provider of HIV services, housing, education and advocacy in Oregon and Southwest Washington. We promote well-being and advance equity by providing inclusive health and wellness services for LGBTQ+ people, people affected by HIV, and all those seeking compassionate care. When the need for affordable, accessible, and culturally affirming primary care services was identified as a community need, we responded by opening Prism Health in 2017. And in 2022, Our House of Portland joined the CAP family to further expand our service offerings and allow us to offer a full lifecycle of care to our community. To learn more about CAP, please visit www.capnw.org

About Prism Health 

Prism Health provides high quality, affordable, and accessible health care for all, with a focus on serving individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, plus all other gender and sexual minorities (LGBTQ+). All of Prism services aim to reach the most vulnerable – those living below the poverty line, communities of color, homeless or unstably housed individuals, and people experiencing mental health and/or addiction issues.

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