On June 26th, CoveCare Center held its first Annual PRIDE Clinic with booths covering topics such as mental health and substance use issues in the LGBTQ+ (acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Questioning, and others) population, gender identity language, community resources, information for adolescents and families, and more. The event was held in the newly refurbished Great Room and included representatives from Glsen, Planned Parenthood and Putnam County Health Department.
Krista Zanfardino, Associate Vice President at CoveCare Center explained that the event was a result of an LGBTQ+ Committee started six months ago in an effort to explore the feasibility of training their staffing and providing services to the LGBTQ+ community. “This event is not only to provide education and information, but it is also an occasion for us to inquire about the needs of the people that future programs can address.” The event also provided some rainbow themed refreshments, crafts and games to engage attendees.
Glsen of Hudson Valley provided valuable resources for educators and students. Glsen’s mission is to create safe and affirming schools for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Mary Jane Karger, co-chair of the Hudson Valley Chapter stated, “We go to schools with presentations for school staff and GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) club. We provide other resources to help educators and students serve their schools.”
- Ally Week is a student-powered program where LGBTQ K-12 students and LGBTQ educators lead the conversation on what they need from their allies in school. Ally Week 2018 is September 24-28, 2018.
- Celebrate Kindness Week (formerly No Name-Calling Week) is when we celebrate kindness by putting it into action! Every year in January, GLSEN provides students and educators with the tools and inspiration to launch an on-going dialogue about ways to challenge bullying and name-calling in their communities.
- Day of Silence, on April 12th 2019, is a student-led national event where folks take a vow of silence to highlight the silencing and erasure of LGBTQ people at school.
Planned Parenthood was providing information on their services related to Sexual Orientation and Gender, Health and Wellness, STDs and more. For more information visit www.plannedparenthood.org.
Putnam County Health Department also provided information on the variety of services they offer including the free HIV testing day that was held on June 27. For more information visit www.putnamcountyny.com/health
CoveCare Center provides mental health, substance use, and supportive services for adults, children, families, and seniors. Our innovative, compassionate approach to care fosters healing, recovery, and wellness. As a nonprofit organization with a commitment to ensuring affordability and access, CoveCare Center is dedicated to improving lives in communities throughout the Lower Hudson Valley. For more information visit www.covecarecenter.org.