Hosted by Scott Nevins, TV personality and Out100 honoree, this year’s program aired on NBC Palm Springs as a celebration of the Hope Begins with Health campaign — a $2 million fundraising initiative to propel DAP Health’s frontline work. Nevins, who recently became a DAP Health board member, started the show by chatting with CEO David Brinkman in front of a mural in the new Les Dames du Soleil Lounge. The lounge was recently created as part of a promise to never forget DAP Health’s history. (See story on page 32.) “Tireless humanitarians in high heels represent the story of DAP Health,” Mr. Brinkman says. “It’s grassroots, it’s the LGBTQ+ community and our 14
begins with health
Health equity won at the 27th Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards on May 9. The beloved event was a testament to the healing power of hope, as well as to all DAP Health frontline workers and their tireless commitment to HIV care, COVID relief, and access to ongoing medical and mental health care.
allies combating stigma and discrimination, fighting for health equity with love and fearlessness.”
Brinkman was candid about why the non-profit’s approach to health equity is so essential today, and he included a challenge for everyone listening. “It’s COVID. It’s racism. It’s poverty. Our country needs all partners of all human rights movements to come together, including the LGBTQ+ community, to step up, leverage all our knowledge and assets, and to create health equity — period. It’s our evolution.”
I felt like yet, once again, history was repeating itself and DAP Health was there for the community.
Providing health care based on patient needs rather than their ability to pay is necessary for health equity, and DAP Health’s new logo conveys its commitment to helping more people. “Our new logo conveys modernity, strength, freshness, and an innovative approach to health care — that it should be there for everyone,” Brinkman concluded. This year’s Steve Chase event was a celebration of survival and perseverance. An entire community worked through its fear to ensure medical services remained continuous for patients. “The response of our donors, volunteers, and staff has been to band together,” says Brinkman. “It has been challenging, but beautiful.”
