As the COVID-19 pandemic worsens in Southern California, we all continue to experience fear and anxiety as more people we know and love are impacted by this pandemic. One year since COVID-19 was first discovered, countless people in our community have lost jobs, lost loved ones, experienced health challenges, and of course, isolation from our community. Then last week, we watched in horror as a violent mob attacked the US Capitol in an attempt to subvert our very democracy, and prevent the certification of our lawful election. The Center condemns these attacks, as well as white supremacy, the ideology and movement at the heart of these attacks. We echo Black leaders throughout the country who have called out the disparate treatment of these rioters by the police, when compared to the treatment of the 2020 Black Lives Matter protesters. After this devolution of our political process, we continue to look forward to a peaceful transition of power and the rebuilding of our country, on January 20, 2021.
All of these events can take a real toll on our emotional and mental health and The Center is here to help, offering Behavioral Health Services (BHS) as part of our Emergency Services. We know that now, perhaps more than ever, our LGBTQ and HIV communities need and deserve access to mental healthcare and support.
BHS provides telehealth services, both by phone and a HIPAA-compatible version Zoom Health Care, for individual, couple, family, and group counseling services. Topics of therapy include relationship violence treatment and wellness; assistance for transgender and nonbinary persons with transition or exploration of gender identity; community resources and support for those living with HIV/AIDS; and more targeted services. Most services are available with sliding scale payments and some insurance plans are accepted. Persons living with HIV may potentially qualify to receive no cost counseling services. Click here to meet the BHS team.
If you, or someone you know, is in need of The Center’s BHS services, please contact our On Duty staff at (619) 692-2077 x 208 or onduty@thecentersd.org for more information or to schedule an intake.
The Center is also continuing to provide Emergency Services through this crisis including food resources, housing resources and rental relief, HIV testing, healthcare enrollment, virtual support and discussion groups, emergency resources and referrals, and more. Call us (619) 800-4252 from 9am-4pm and (619) 800-4216 from 4pm-9pm and we will be happy to help you. Please take good care of yourself and each other and know that The Center is here for you, now and always.
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-Cara Dessert (Pronouns: She/Her/Hers)
Chief Executive Officer
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HELP STOP THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
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You have the power to help your friends, family and community stop the spread of COVID-19 by adding your phone to California’s exposure notification system to get COVID-19 exposure alerts. Visit CA Notify to get started and once you activate CA Notify, all you do is keep your Bluetooth on and you will only receive alerts if you were in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19. Your privacy is protected as your identity is not known and your location is not tracked. Learn more and get started here.
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SAN DIEGO TESTING RESOURCES
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With COVID-19 cases rising, The Center wants to let you know where you can get tested. Click here for a list of testing sites or dial 2-1-1. Most do not require an appointment, the test takes 5-10 minutes, with results available within 2-4 days. Please stay at home as much as possible, wear a mask, wash your hands, and do all you can to keep yourself and others safe so we all get through this together.
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CENTER EMERGENCY SERVICES DURING COVID-19
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Urban MO’s Bar & Grill is partnering with The Center in Nourishing the Community for the month of January! The Center knows that many community members have faced financial hardship and/or food insecurity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to this, for the month of January, The San Diego LGBT Community Center and Urban MO’s Bar & Grill will be partnering to offer a free meal. Please sign-up here: https://forms.gle/y7VuJd9x5XVY8QXAA
Please share this link with friends, family, and community members who may benefit from this program. For questions and more information, please contact Sarah Merk-Benitez at smerkbenitez@thecentersd.org.
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CENTER PROGRAMMING VIA ZOOM
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COMMUNITY FEEDBACK WANTED
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As you stay at home in the new year, The Center knows how important it is to stay connected. Join us for discussion and support groups, special programming, and more - all tailored for you and your needs via Zoom. Please visit our website, visit The Center's Facebook page, or call us at (619) 800-4252 from 9am - 4pm or (619) 800-4216 from 4pm - 9pm to find the right one for you.
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