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This month BIENESTAR took to the skies and crossed the country to make its case in our nation's capital. It was a jam-packed trip - and we wanted to share with you some of the highlights!
BIENESTAR kicked off the week at the White House Reception on LGBT Pride Month on Tuesday, June 22, where the President Barack Obama spoke of the strides his administration has taken on LGBT issues. More importantly, the President laid out his future plans to advance equality and end discriminatory policies against lesbians, gay, bisexuals and transgender individuals .That evening, he directed the Secretary of Health and Human Services to ensure that hospitals participating in Medicare or Medicaid allow gay and lesbian partners the same privileges and visitation rights as straight partners. The President also reaffirmed his commitment to end the discriminatory policy, "Don't Ask Don't Tell". We were proud to see BIENESTAR among the invited organizations and activists from around the country who attended the reception honoring LGBT Pride Month.
We also made time to visit the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue - and meet with key congressional staff and lawmakers to discuss BIENESTAR's important work and mission. Among the lawmakers eager to find out more about our programs and services was Representative Judy Chu, from California's 32nd district, and home to our El Monte center. We had a series of productive face-to-face meetings with Representative Chu and other key policy makers on BIENESTAR's top priorities: restoring funding for HIV/AIDS prevention and services, maintaining federal Ryan White Care Act funding for individuals and families affected by HIV or AIDS, and expanding our services to provide substance abuse treatment and prevention services, particularly in Latino and other underserved communities. We look forward to continuing our dialogue with congressional members and staff and serving the dual role of educator and advocate for the critical public health programs we operate.
As we reflect on LGBT Pride Month, we are grateful for the depth and breadth of the communities that we serve and the constituencies that support us. And, as always, we are grateful for your continued support to ensure that HIV/AIDS education and prevention remain at the forefront of policymakers' minds and the health agenda they advance.
Since 1989, BIENESTAR has been committed to enhancing the health and well-being of the Latino community and other underserved communities in Southern California. BIENESTAR accomplishes this through its unique peer-to peer service model, community outreach, health education and awareness and human rights advocacy for social justice. Visit www.BIENESTAR.org for additional information. Join us on Facebook: BIENESTAR Familia.
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