Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17, 2008 

CONTACT: Alice Kessler, Government Affairs Directors
PHONE: (916) 284-9187 EMAIL: media@eqca.org  

Organizational Leaders Gather for Inaugural Conference of California LGBT Health and Human Services Network

Agenda for Meeting to Include Budget Cuts Facing LGBT Community Providers

SACRAMENTO – On December 17, the LGBT Heath and Human Services Network, a sponsored program of the Equality California Institute, held its inaugural conference at the offices of the California Endowment. The Network is a statewide coalition of LGBT and allied organizations working to prioritize the health needs of the LGBT community in California and connect member organizations with statewide funding sources that have not necessarily been directed toward the LGBT community in the past.

“The LGBT Health and Human Services Network is the first effort of its kind in California, modeled after a similar and very successful LGBT health coalition in New York State,” said Equality California Institute Executive Director Geoff Kors. “As budget cuts devastate California in this difficult economic climate, it’s more important than ever that we work together to protect services and programs that keep the LGBT community healthy and safe.”

Network member organizations range from those with a traditional health focus to youth organizations, senior services providers, drug and alcohol programs, LGBT centers and violence prevention organizations. Members represent diverse communities across the state from San Diego to the Central Coast to the North Bay Area.

“As an organization dedicated to wellness for members of the LGBT community, we are excited to be a part of this new coalition,” said Lance Toma, Executive Director of Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center, who also serves on the Network Steering Committee. “The Network will provide opportunities for many organizations to have a more powerful presence in Sacramento, so that the vital services we provide to the LGBT community get the support they need from state government.”

The Network’s plans for 2009 include opposing state budget cuts that will impact the LGBT community, seeking new state funding streams that can support LGBT health and human services programs, and building relationships with key policymakers to ensure that LGBT health needs are prioritized in California.

Equality California Institute educates LGBT people and the public at large about issues impacting the LGBT community and its allies. EQCAI leads the Let California Ring campaign, LGBT Health and Human Services Network and Equality Alliance. eqcai.org

– 30 –