In The News

Tampa on the Forefront of Bone Health Awareness TAMPA — American Bone Health has chosen Tampa Bay as the test pilot for a new program

Organizers noted that they will continue to raise funds for Floridians affected by HIV/AIDS through a combination of virtual and physical challenges. Additionally, anyone can participate this year by committing to log 165 miles, minutes or other measurable metric for the physical activities of their choice.

“We have more people coming in now because you have those people that don’t want to wait that 20 minutes,” Prevention Specialist with Metro Inclusive Health Shirlene Manuel said. “They say it lasts a lifetime. The people that we do the blood work on where we have a two day turn around on the blood work also think that’s a lifetime. To get that result in a minute has made more people want to come in and get tested.”

Dr. Luke Johnsen, medical director of Metro Inclusive Health, answer[ed] questions about hepatitis during a class Aug. 6 at the organization’s St. Petersburg office.

METRO Inclusive Health is bringing KINK – An Art Affair to the Burg for one night only. August 17, get ready to take part in what they’re describing as an “interactive experience with zero shades of gray”.

The 21 and up only event promises to offer a first-person opportunity to explore the concepts of KINK. At the same time, subtly messaging the important of self-awakening and safe sex practices.

I always like to support those organizations that may exist in smaller communities than our own. For me, that is Metro Inclusive Health in Tampa, Fla. It’s important to me because many of these organizations do not have as strong of a donor base and, more often than not, cannot rely on local or state funding. While I am lucky to see the city where I grew up evolve to embrace our community, that is not always the case. These organizations are on the front lines of protecting and nurturing our community and I highly recommend searching for a local organization of your own.

The latest HIV statistics paint a grim picture for African-American communities in much of the country, with Pinellas County identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as extremely high-risk.

Our good friends at Metro Inclusive Health brought the threat of this epidemic to the attention of myself and other south side community leaders, including Deputy Mayor Dr. Kanika Tomalin at a recent small HIV summit. National, state and local statistics were presented that were nothing short of alarming, and we all need to be made aware.

Metro Inclusive Health and CAN Community Health announced March 28 that the organizations have acquired the German American Club in Ybor to transform the historic building into a state-of-the-art health center.

The organizations unveiled plans to transform the building, which was built in the early 1900s, by adding three floors adjacently attached to its current structure. They noted in a press release that the effort will revive a part of Tampa’s history, create jobs and positively impact the local neighborhood’s economy.

Metro Wellness and Community Centers will observe the 30th annual World AIDS Day Nov. 29-Dec. 7 with “Let’s Talk,” a campaign featuring educational and testing opportunities across Tampa Bay.

Seven community organizations have partnered to form Zero Pinellas, an initiative granted $2,207,694 over three years to reduce new HIV infections in Pinellas County by at least 50 percent.