One year into the pandemic…

//One year into the pandemic…

One year into the pandemic…

Dear Friend:

A year ago today I wrote a letter to the community. I didn’t know every answer, nor what COVID-19 meant for us all, but I wanted to assure folks that despite the uncertainty of the times one thing remained constant… that we at the Center are here for you. Flash forward to today and that’s never been more true.

I hope you are all staying healthy, continuing to wear a mask, testing regularly, and getting in line for your turn to get a vaccine. We all need to do our part to end this global pandemic and to protect our most vulnerable. With infection rates rising and variants spreading quickly, it’s still important to get tested regularly. Get your FREE (no appointment necessary!) COVID-19 tests Mondays and Tuesdays 5-7p.m. at our facility on 1015 20th Street. Since launching this service, we’ve provided over 6,180 tests!

As we eagerly wait for a sense of normalcy, know that you can count on us for support as we remained open throughout the pandemic. Our housing programs have remained operational 24-7; groups and community resources have moved online; our digital Q-Spot drop-in programs saw record breaking engagement; advocacy continued with performances, trainings, and workshops via your screens; signature events (like SacPride and Q-Prom) were accessible on your phones and computers; and new sex positive and bilingual livestreams were launched. And still, our staff remained available for in-person and by-appointment services.

On top of that, we launched our new Center South location serving the sexual health needs of Black community members in South Sacramento. We began mailing out HIV home test kits and launched telehealth counseling services. As conditions improve and restrictions are removed, we look forward to being able to have groups gather at the Center and at events again as soon as it’s safe.

Please, if you are able, consider a donation to our Center Emergency Fund to help us meet the increased and changing needs of our community due to COVID-19. No gift is too big or too small to bring resources, hope, relief, and support to our LGBTQ+ community now and in the future. 

We will also renew our wellness calls to over 30,000+ community members in the oncoming weeks to determine what folks need one year into the pandemic, so please take the opportunity to talk to our staff and volunteers. As always, if you need anything for any reason you may also call us at (916) 442-0185.

Let’s thrive together,


David Heitstuman
CEO

2021-04-09T16:04:55-07:00By |Uncategorized|