For nearly 28 years, Metropolitan Charities, Inc. (d/b/a Metro Inclusive Health), has operated under the mission of providing health and wellness services that are inclusive, relevant, supportive and represent the lifetime continuum of the diverse people in our community. Today, the organization announced that it has received designation as a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike, meeting federal guidelines identified by the Health Resources and Services Administration as a community-based healthcare provider.

“With years of experience serving thousands of individuals in our area, we could not be more pleased to receive this designation by a federal agency,” said METRO CEO Lorraine Langlois. “This fast-tracks our ability to impact even more lives while supporting a healthier Tampa Bay and greater quality of life for all.”

Today, METRO offers over 100 services and programs focused on the health and wellness of our Tampa Bay community provided regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious or spiritual beliefs or financial means. In 2019, Metro Inclusive Health touched the lives of over 30,600 people while insured patients supported the mission by assisting in the delivery of over $435,000 in services to un- or under- insured individuals. Even within a pandemic environment, METRO has continued to see increased demand for services. While accelerating telehealth and patient portal services, METRO also immediately set out to meet and exceed the CDC guidelines required for a safe environment, protecting both staff and patients.

With Look-alike status as a Federally Qualified Health Center, Metro Inclusive Health has been recognized for a standard of excellence in providing primary care to underserved areas. Implementing a sliding fee scale based on ability to pay strengthens METRO’s ability to provide services to any who may need them.

METRO was founded in 1992 with a single service, HIV Case Management. With an annual operating budget of $29 million, the organization provides Primary Care, Behavioral Health, Sexual Health & Prevention, hormone replacement therapy, and on-site lab services at four Tampa Bay area locations. Through its partner in HIV care, CAN Community Health, METRO remains one of the few area organizations to offer primary care alongside HIV care, treatment, counseling, case management and social support services. METRO also provides dozens of donor-funded community programs for the LGBTQ+ community including youth, seniors and trans-specific, at no cost. Headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, METRO employs approximately 185 individuals across Tampa Bay.