TAMPA BAY — Metro Inclusive Health has announced that pediatric care is now being offered at their offices in St. Petersburg and Tampa.

Metro has served Tampa Bay since 1992, growing into the second largest LGBTQ-focused health and community center in North America. They offer more than 100 programs and services from locations throughout the area, including a 47,000-square-foot facility in St. Petersburg and a 30,000-square-foot space in Ybor, which opened last year.

“In our 30-year history, we’ve grown from one service to over 100, providing a centralized approach to individual healthcare needs,” Metro Inclusive Health Chief Marketing & Experience Officer Brian Bailey says. “Adding pediatrics is a natural fit for us as we look to serve more of our community.”

Bailey says the pediatric care has long been requested from Metro’s LGBTQ patients who are parents, as well as by parents of LGBTQ youth who participate in community programming. The new services include newborn care, breastfeeding support, well-child visits, sports physicals, immunizations, dental fluoride treatments, care for chronic medical conditions, sick visits and referrals.

“As it’s a new service, we’re easing into pediatrics by notifying current clients and patients first and the response has been strong,” Bailey says. “Among our new patients are trans teens who have not been able to find adequate care – literally anywhere.”

Metro notes that regular checkups are important to monitor a child’s health as well as for their physical, emotional and social development. The organization explains that pediatric, well-child and adolescent visits are “your opportunity to learn the best ways to help your child grow and form bonds based on respect, trust, honest communication and understanding of your family’s culture and traditions.”

As “parenting is a full-time job – so is pediatric care,” they also note. That’s why Metro promises to offer priority access for sick visits and an after-hours hotline. TeleHealth visits remain readily available as well.

Metro accepts most major insurances and offers income-based, sliding-scale fees and self-pay options.  Potential and current patients are invited to learn about their pediatric services by scheduling a prenatal tour with a provider.

“An important part of preparing for parenthood is choosing a pediatrician,” Metro notes. “There’s no greater peace of mind than knowing that you’ve made the right choice for you and your baby.”

“By offering so many services under one roof, our linkage experts are able to connect parents with a multitude of affordable resources for young children now and as they mature,” Metro also advises. “Equally, we provide services in a welcoming and accepting environment regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation. All are welcome.”