October is National LGBT History Month and due to that Las Vegas celebrates Pride throughout the month. As visitors and locals alike come together to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, Nevada Health Link is launching its first interview series on Facebook LIVE to focus on connecting healthcare to the community. The first live episode aired featuring The LGBTQ Center of Southern Nevada, as the organization celebrated its 30-year anniversary on October 15, 2022.
Also known as “The Center”, the organization offers resources that are unique compared to other similar programs. Nevada Health Link’s Katie Charleson sat down with Mona Lisa Paulo, Director of Clinic and HIV Services of The Center, and discussed programs, resources, and services to meet the needs of the communities around us.
“The LGBTQA+ community often faces health disparities,” Paulo said. “What we’re seeing is the lack of education that health providers have and that’s what we’ve identified here at The Center. As an ally and as a community, we’re providing educational resources and information for health care providers.”
Among its unique programs, The Center offers the Center Advocacy Network (CAN), the first nationally accredited program of its kind designed to focus on victims of crime advocacy. Many local healthcare providers sign up for CAN as the training seminars help enhance their policies, procedures and practices to be LGBTQIA+ culturally competent. CAN also recruit volunteer advocates to help LGBTQIA+ clients who are in crisis due to past or present trauma through walk-ins or a 24-hour hotline.
According to the Human Rights Campaign’s Healthcare Equality Index states that Nevada is leading in providing care to LBGTQ+ communities. As the official state-based health insurance exchange for Nevada, we are proud to help Nevadans gain access to quality care at the most affordable rate, while working to close the gap in health disparities. The Center also offers an on-site clinic for HIV testing and numerous support systems focusing on emergency services, addiction, and mental health.
Nevada Health Link is dedicated to working with all communities across Nevada, going above and beyond getting Nevadans covered with health insurance.
Ongoing Weekly Events at The Center
For a list of events happening at The Center – including free HIV testing, activities for youth, and community outreach opportunities – check out the calendar here. We have highlighted a few ways you can get involved today.
Volunteering opportunities: The Center is always looking for volunteers, as many of the people working at the clinic are also volunteers as victim advocates. All you have to do is fill out an application on the website.
Act III Senior Drop-In: The Center’s ACT III (Aging Communities Together) offers a safe, fun, inclusive space for adults 50 and up to enjoy activities, games, films, and education, with their peers. Senior Drop-in is free and welcomes LGBTQIA+ and allied individuals.
Inclusive Thursdays Lunch and Learn: Join a FREE Lunch & Learn, where invited speakers present topics such as Las Vegas history, health and wellness, and local resources. Afterward, enjoy a free lunch provided by The Center. Check out the schedule for daily programs here.
