A Newsletter by Compass Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Palm Beach County @CompassCenter
@CompassCenter
@Compassglcc
Summer 2014 Issue
STONEWALL BALL JUNE 28 - THE PARTY WITH A PURPOSE
Senator Jeff Clemens, Tony Plakas, US Congressman Ted Deutch
When Compass Community Center inaugurated the Stonewall Ball in 2002 with the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council we had great expectations. However, we never imagined our “party with a purpose” would evolve into one of Palm Beach County’s premier political events. Held the last Saturday of June at the Harriet Himmel Theater at CityPlace in West Palm Beach the Stonewall Ball serves as an official kick-off to our political campaign season. It provides an opportunity for those who represent us, or hope to one day, and meet our community and allies face-to-face. Spanning a mere 45 years, the modern gay, lesbian and transgender movement is considered the fastest of all civil rights movements as public attitudes have shifted sharply in the last ten years. Friends, families, co-workers, elected representatives and government officials have worked with dedicated activists to create change in this social justice movement like never before in recent history. Today, Palm Beach County is considered one of the most progressive counties in the nation, extending recognition and benefits for all families to the full extent allowable by our state
OUR MISSION
and federal laws. City and County Commissioners, Mayors, State Representatives and Senators, and U.S. Representatives attend the Stonewall Ball because they know actions speak louder than words. And when those who represent us at the local, state and federal level join us on the dance floor they see the faces of the diverse community they are charged to represent. History is proving gays, lesbians and transgender people are more politically astute and engaged with current events. Along with our allies, we vote more frequently, donate to charitable institutions and political campaigns more often, and volunteer more consistently than almost any other voting demographic. If you take one look at the swiftly changing national landscape, popular culture and the attitudes of young people – our next generation of voters – we aren’t just on the right side of history; we are on the winning side of history. The reason we see the same faces year after year is because our friends and allies understand and appreciate our role in their leadership, civic engagement and activism. We’ve watched our friends who served as our mayors go on to hold seats in the Florida Senate and the United States House of Representatives. We’ve been there every step of the way when our allies leave state service to come home and become our county commissioners, constitutional officers and even our state attorney – never leaving us behind. This black and white-themed party is a nod to the many people who took to the streets in 1969 to fight for recognition, respect, and basic rights for all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity and expression. The historic pictures we have of those epic moments are in black and white, before this civil rights movement embraced the colors of the rainbow. So join us June 28th in casual, cocktail or costume attire and be a part of history.
@plakas
@TonyPlakas
Compass aims to diminish stereotypes by challenging long-standing misconceptions about the character of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
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We accomplish this by emboldening our youth, promoting pride in our community, and acting as an educator, advocate, health service provider, and focal point for community organizing.
IN THIS ISSUE P. 3
It’s Time for All Inclusive Rights
P. 6
Positive Connections Saves Lives
P. 9
Stonewall Ball Voted Best Social Event of the Year
P. 11
Equality Prom a Great Success
www.CompassGLCC.com | 561.533.9699
COMPASS LANDS ANOTHER HISTORIC OPPORTUNITY - NOH8! Hundreds participated in the NOH8 Campaign at Compass on May 5th. Celebrity photographer Adam Bouska and partner Jeff Parshley created their photographic silent protest in response to the passage of Proposition 8 in California that amended the state Constitution to ban same-sex marriage in 2008. “The NOH8 Campaign’s forwardthinking understanding of how gender bias hurts youth, adults and our families underscores the work Compass has done for more than 25 years. Our grassroots missions align because we see marriage, gender and human equality as more than a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender concern,” said Tony Plakas.
Among those in attendance were many elected officials from the city of Lake Worth, West Palm Beach and other prominent organization leaders. Photos feature subjects with duct tape over their mouths symbolizing the voices of LGBT people being silenced by Prop 8, and similar legislation around the world, with the iconic “NOH8” temporary tattoo on one cheek. Community members came from several cities in Broward, Palm Beach and Martin Counties to participate in the photo shoot, joining the movement to promote and raise awareness for marriage equality and anti-discrimination of the LGBT community.
The NOH8 Campaign is a charitable organization whose mission is to promote marriage, gender and human equality through education, advocacy, social media, and visual protest.
Group photo of staff and volunteers after a successful photo shoot
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Anti-discrimination Laws in the USA
IT IS TIME FOR FULL INCLUSIVE RIGHTS ! By Ryanmarie Rice
Anyone who has spent time at Compass knows that on any given day, you’ll find individuals across the gender spectrum utilizing our restrooms. Compass’ restrooms have always been gender neutral, as far as we’re concerned. That’s just the nature of our staff and community. No one bats an eyelash. In response to a recent influx of transgender, gender non-conforming, and gender fluid youth, we placed an order for new gender neutral restroom signs and made it official. No one should worry about being judged or harassed in a public restroom - especially at Compass. As hundreds of community members flooded our
community center to take part in the NOH8 Campaign photo shoot on May 5th, I stopped in one of our gender neutral restrooms to check my hair and makeup. Sharing the mirror were people of all walks of life, adjusting their outfits, touching up their eyeliner, and prepping to have their photos taken by celebrity photographer Adam Bouska. As I patiently awaited my turn for the mirror, I chatted with Jacob from Compass’ Youth program. “OMG, Ryan, I found my fairy godmother,” he said as he had his hair braided by a glamorous, blonde stranger. “Hey, I’m Sabrine I found this one trying to French braid his own hair and had to step in,” she explained, happy to help. She finished braiding Jacob’s hair, fixed her makeup, and was on her way. As Jacob and I waited in line to have our NOH8 photos taken, he asked me to track down S- so he could thank her. His hair looked fabulous, and more importantly, he felt fabulous. I agreed that she should know how much he appreciated her kindness.
Weeks later, I was scrolling my twitter feed when I stumbled on a link to a YouTube video entitled: My Transgender Story, starring Sabrine herself. She shares the story of her transition, emphasizing the importance of living her truth and how she came to find what that meant for her. Without hesitation, I shared Sabrine’s video on Compass Youth’s private Facebook group, tagging Jacob. I’m not sure if Jacob will reach out to his fairy godmother but I have no doubt that her story will inspire many of our youth to live their truth, whatever that may be. I am so grateful I just happened to witness Sabrine fixing up Jacob’s hair that evening. There was so much beauty in the simplicity of a transgender woman braiding the hair of an LGBTQ teen in a gender neutral bathroom. She was so casual about it. No big deal. It probably meant more to Jacob than Sabrine will ever know. It was a brief encounter, a random act of kindness; one that probably wouldn’t have happened anywhere else. This is what it’s all about, I thought. This is why we’re here.
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UNITED WAY AND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION INITIATIVE RAISES MORE THAN 5K FOR COMPASS!
SPECIAL THANK YOU
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Compass supporters raised over $5,000 for the only nonprofit organization who’s mission includes gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer community that participated in the 24-hour giving day. This initiative is an unprecedented giving event led by the Community Foundation and United Way of Palm Beach and Martin Counties and shares a common mission - to help build vibrant communities. This community-wide event celebrates the spirit of giving and the collective efforts it takes to strengthen our community while raising critical funds for local nonprofits.
The Compass board & staff would like to extend a very special thank you to all of the neighborhood bars, restaurant and Business Alliance members who go above and beyond to contribute year round with hosting events, sponsoring initiatives, donations and hosting events.
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Your support isn’t just nice, it is vital to keep forwarding Compass’ mission.
COMPASS REACHES TOP 5% NATIONALLY IN LGBT GIVE OUT DAY AMONG MORE THAN 500 ORGANIZATIONS! The 2nd annual Give OUT Day brought together over 500 LGBTQ nonprofits and its donors to support the LGBTQ community. Compass raised over $4,300, finished 2nd place in the Florida leadership board just under a state-wide organization and ended the day in the Top 30 leadership board in the nation. Give OUT Day is an annual 24-hour online fundraising initiative that unites supporters of LGBTQ causes and nonprofits. The event raises awareness of the need to support LGBTQ nonprofits and promote LGBTQ philanthropy.
South Florida Leaderboard
Special thank you to Our Fund and its donors for awarding Compass with $500 bonus prize.
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POSITIVE CONNECTIONS SAVE LIVES! By Hugo Rocchia
There is nothing more powerful and life changing than a group of individuals united by one common thread. In the case of our support group for individuals living with HIV, their common goal is to empathize and empower eachother. And we are elated to report that the results of these peer support interactions are having a resoundingly uplifting result in the health and well being of all the participants. Members of these support groups are reporting increased connectivity within the community; increased self-efficacy, enhanced personal sense of support, feeling of empowerment to visit their doctors and take their medications. One attendee said: “I thought I was the only one who feels this way. I was feeling very isolated and I couldn’t share my life with anybody. Positive Connection gave me the opportunity to be myself with an open, supportive and accepting group of guys. Because of that, I’m feeling supported, understood, hopeful and purposeful. I found my sense of personal worth through the group. Life has a purpose for me again.” Another had this to say: “I was off and on my meds for the last couple years since I became HIV positive. Until I participated in the group, I did not believe that the meds would help me to have a healthy life. When I shared my doubts, the entire group looked me in the eyes and told me that by taking my medication I will have a healthy life. That was the first time I realized, that by taking my meds I would survive. Many doctors, nurses and social workers told me the same thing, but it seems I was only able to hear it when it came from my peers.” Medication adherence is a recurring problem for individuals living with chronic illnesses. Participants in our groups are peer mentors and engage in affirmative relationships that enhance the lives of others. At Compass, we have several support and peer groups for HIV positive individuals. What occurs in these groups has the power to change people’s lives in a way that no other intervention can. The format includes social interaction as well as a discussion topic that the group explores. If you would like more information or to participate please, contact Hugo Rocchia, our Mental Health Therapist at 561-533-9699 ext 4055.
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WHEN WE FIGHT TOGETHER, WE WIN! By Lorenzo Lowe
HIV is one of the more severe pandemics the world has ever seen. For the past 33 years, we have witnessed HIV’s effect on countless lives and the evolution of treatment and preventative education. Today there is treatment for the disease, however a cure remains absent. For now we continue to do our part and take responsibility for ourselves and each other. Throughout the year, Compass forwards its mission and promotes awareness in Palm Beach County. Much like PrideFest of the Palm Beaches in March and World AIDS Day in December, new outreach events bring education and awareness under a different, more “eye-catching” backdrop this summer. Brunches, poetry slams, and uncensored pillow talk sessions are a few of the new events added to our already long list of outreach activities. It’s about breaking ground and promoting safe sex, testing, and treatment adherence from a new angle. We’re not afraid to get real about HIV prevention while having fun. Our fight continues and some of our fears still remain. The red ribbon that raises awareness of HIV/AIDS remains tattooed on the hearts of those who remember the horrific days of the early 80’s and 90’s. Together, we take a stand and fulfill our mission of educating as many people as possible, reducing the fear of getting tested, preventing the spread of HIV, and having a little fun in the process. For more information about Compass’ HIV Prevention Department and events, contact Lorenzo Lowe, HIV Prevention Coordinator at lorenzo@compassglcc.com.
COME IN AND WORK OUT! By Julie Seaver
With the hot days of summer already upon us, Compass keeps planning for the summer season. Compass provides good old fashioned fun and socializing. In addition to the Stonewall Black and White Ball in June, and the July 4th Lake Worth Great American Raft Race, Compass is starting weekly Zumba classes on Monday evenings starting June 9th from 6 to 7pm. Zumba combines Latin and International music with a fun and effective workout to start your week on the right foot. Also coming back to your community center this summer: LGBT family socials. As marriage equality gains momentum across the country and more same-sex couples start raising kids, they seek to connect with other gay parents of young children. Compass has partnered with South Florida Family Pride to host a beach picnic for gay families. For over 20 years, Compass’ youth program has provided support and leadership-building opportunities for all young people. The expansion of social and support activities for same-sex parents is essential. The picnic provides a safe, fun atmosphere where the kids can play and learn that others have gay parents and, more importantly, they are not alone. And parents can connect with others and share experiences. As we continue expand programs at the center, we are excited to provide a supportive and positive learning environment in which community members are empowered to learn new things, educate others, and enjoy life being community centered. Please contact Julie Seaver at julie@compassglcc.com if you would like to receive updates on center happenings, fitness classes or LGBTQ families gatherings.
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GET FIT IN THE SUMMER WITH US
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Compass is seeking people to lead the way with fitness inspired ideas, classes, activities and gatherings. If you are a certified trainer or aficionado and would like to help your LGBTQ community get in shape come out and help out. Please contact Julie Seaver at 561-533-9699 or email julie@compassglcc.com
COMPASS ENTOURAGE ! By Ernie Gonzalez
Spring has come and gone and we reflect fondly on the great times and people we met at Pridefest this year. Entourage was out and proud at Pridefest of the Palm Beaches, as well as the FantaSea kickoff party at Rooster’s. The entertainment and fun rolled on through the night. The College Gay Straight Alliance Council of the Palm Beaches is on hiatus during the summer months, but the work done during the Spring semester was impressive. Multiple student organizations from local universities met at Compass, creating a network of support and bridging gaps between campuses. They collaborated on different events and represented their student-led organizations during the parade at PrideFest. We can expect great work from our young community leaders when they reconvene in the Fall. As college students are returning home, looking for something to do this summer, Entourage welcomes them back for some fun in the sun. Back by popular demand, pool parties, beach days, video game nights, and volleyball games. We look forward to meeting new people with fresh ideas and new perspectives. As always, Entourage is looking towards the future and #Goingplaces. Compass’ Entourage is a community of young gay and bisexual men ages 18-29 who have fun, socialize, form relationships and build a stronger community to work, live and play in. For up-to-the-minute information and events join the Facebook group “Compass Entourage” or contact Ernie at 561-533-9699.
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SFGN: STONEWALL BALL IS BEST SOCIAL EVENT OF THE YEAR! By Jimmy Zoellner
The 13th Annual Stonewall Ball celebration will take place on June 28, 2014 at the historic Harriet Himmel Theatre. The iconic black & white themed party was voted Best Social Event of the Year in 2013 in South Florida Gay News’ Best Of issue. Stonewall Ball is creating a buzz of excitement that is sure to draw record number of attendees.
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DJ Joshua Atom will be spinning the latest hits and all are welcome on the dance floor. The event’s silent auction will feature over 50 items donated by members of the Compass Business Alliance and local supporting businesses. The annual black and white party attracts over 1,000 dignitaries, elected officials and community members from South Florida and the Treasure coast. This years’ event will honor forty four years of accomplishments of the LGBT rights movement in the epicenter of West Palm Beach. Established to recognize events outside the Stonewall Inn the last week of June which is recognized as the birth of the gay rights movement, Compass unites gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people with Palm Beach County’s elected and appointed officials and community leaders. Compass’ Stonewall Ball on June 28th starts with a VIP reception and silent auction at 8 p.m. General admission will begin at 9 p.m. Tickets for the VIP reception are $60, general admission tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door. Tickets for Stonewall Ball and the VIP Reception are available online or at Compass Community Center. If you would like to attend the 13th Annual Stonewall Ball or for more information, please contact the Jimmy Zoellner at (561) 533-9699 ext. 4018
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TONY PLAKAS LEADS SYNAGOGUES AROUND THE WORLD BECOME MORE WELCOMING! By Ana Zagazeta
Compass was invited to lead a panel discussion on LGBT issues at the 67th Annual International Cantors Assembly in May. The Cantors Assembly, the largest organization for cantors in the world, proudly hosted their first ever panel on LGBT issues. It was the first time LGBT issues were discussed at a Cantors Assembly convention and also the first time any of the
professional arms affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism had an official discussion on LGBT issues. Tony Plakas, along with other panelists, discussed topics on Coming Out support, worship, highlighting diversity and bullying issues. Panel moderator and Compass member, Cantor Zach Mondrow felt the panel discussion was a great success and said “I’m
proud of my colleagues that they were open to new ideas and sensitivities that they might not have been exposed to before. We need to be welcoming to the LGBT population in our synagogues.” This panel discussion has opened the door to a more inclusive place of worship for synagogues all over the world.
Compass’ Youth and staff with Palm Beach County School Board
COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT MANDATES GENDER STUDIES CONTACT IN EVERY SCHOOL! By Ryanmarie Rice
Compass congratulates the School District of Palm Beach County on their latest initiative to appoint a Gender Studies contact in every school to provide support for LGBT students. This decision was a long time coming. Compass staff worked alongside representatives from the Human Rights Council, and Safe Schools, in partnership with the Office of African, African American, Latino and Gender Studies and the School District of Palm Beach County to ensure that students in this district have a safer and more supportive environment in which to learn. Although Compass Youth were honored to receive the School District’s Proclamation of LGBT History Month last October, the Page 10 | CompassGLCC.com | 561.533.9699
youth were disappointed by the lack of progress they witnessed on their respective school campuses. Earlier this year, representatives from Safe Schools met with Compass Youth to survey their experiences as LGBT students and request their recommendations for a more inclusive public school education. Some of the youth recommendations included widespread recognition of LGBT history month, the inclusion of LGBT history in curriculum, LGBT-inclusive language in anti-bullying policies, and faculty support for Gay Straight Alliances and other LGBT student-led organizations. The bulletin, signed by Superintendent E. Wayne Gent, responds to each of Compass Youth’s recommendations and
required each principal to designate their Gender Studies contacts no later than May 30, 2014. Compass will collaborate with the School District of Palm Beach County to design training sessions and job descriptions for these LGBT advocates this summer. This decision was announced on May 23, 2014, the very same day that Compass hosted the 2nd Annual Equality Prom. While LGBT youth from all over Palm Beach County danced the night away at Equality Prom, the school district responded in a major way – by letting our youth know that their voices were heard. On behalf of the community, we extend our congratulations and gratitude to the School District of Palm Beach County.
2ND ANNUAL EQUALITY PROM A GREAT SUCCESS! By Ryanmarie Rice
On May 23rd, 2014, Compass hosted the 2nd Annual Equality Prom in the recently dedicated Alfred Fiandaca Ballroom. For many youth in attendance, Equality Prom was the only dance they attended this year. In April, a local high school mandated that "biological females must wear dresses to the prom and biological males must wear suits." When a few students requested that they be permitted to wear gender neutral formal attire, they were turned down. Compass
staff received dozens of emails, phone calls and Facebook posts from students who felt oppressed by their own schools. The annual Equality Prom is a celebration of equality among all youth, regardless of race, ethnicity, creed, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression and is free and open to all youth. Twenty-two schools from the School District of Palm Beach County were represented at the event and nearly 100 LGBT youth and their allies were in
attendance. At Equality Prom, all attendees are Prom Royalty. D.J. Joshua Atom provided the music for the Great Gatsby themed event and Michael Cushman captured unforgettable photos on and off the dance floor. The one and only Velvet Lenore performed hits from the Great Gatsby Soundtrack and Beyoncé. Velvet shared her wisdom with the youth, saying, “I want to leave you with one message, and I want you to repeat after me: Live, laugh, and love yourself.”
Laverne Cox from Orange is the New Black with Compass Youth members at The National Gay & Lesbian Task Force 2014 Conference: Creating Change in Houston.
TRANS YOUTH FIND A SAFE HAVEN AT COMPASS! By Marsharee Chronicle
Laverne Cox said “loving a trans person is a revolutionary act.” Here at Compass, we are no strangers to revolutionary acts, and we love transgender people. In April, Compass staff showed just how much they love transgender people by launching a transgender support group for youth and by attending the 4th annual transgender medical symposium in Broward County. While all of the presenters at the symposium spoke passionately about their topics, our staff agreed that the most impactful workshop was the youth panel. One person had this to say about the experience, “Oftentimes, when we involve young people in our work, there is the fear of tokenism. I admit that, at first, part of me felt uncomfortable with the idea of
listening as these young people shared their transition stories. My fear was that it would come across as exploitative; as if these youth were on display at the World’s Fair. I quickly got over that feeling as I became enthralled in their stories. These three youth had gone through a lot in their short lives. They described everything from system failures, familial rejection, and even violence. Their stories were so compelling, they moved me to tears.” Our kudos goes to Broward County for the work that they are doing for their transgender residents. In Palm Beach County, we are just beginning to scratch the surface of trans inclusion. Although Compass has hosted a transgender support group for years, there is more work to be done. It is with that realization that Compass’ youth program
saw the need to create a new youth group specifically for trans youth—the Transgender Youth Society. If you would like to attend the group, refer someone you or would like to know more please contact Ryanmarie Rice at ryanmarie@compassglcc.com.
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MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES!
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Membership and contributions enhance Compass’ funded programs by providing financial resources for community center activities and special events held outside of the scope of our funded, direct service programs.!
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MEMBERSHIP LEVELS! __ __ __ __ __ __ __
$35! ! $100! ! $250! ! $750! ! $1,200! $2,500! $5,000!
Member! Supporter! Community! Advocacy! Legacy! Leader! Vitality!
Name:____________________________________________! Phone Number:___________________Birthday __________! Email Address: ____________________________________! Billing Address: ____________________________________! City:______________________ State:_____ Zip:_________ ! Name as you would like it to appear in all published materials, plaques and signs: ! _________________________________________________!
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I would like to remain anonymous ! I am interested in quarterly or monthly payments, please contact me to set that up.
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METHOD OF PAYMENT!
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Checks enclosed payable to Compass! Visa | MasterCard | Discover | American Express! Card #:______________________________Exp: _ _ / _ _! ! Signature:_____________________ CCV Code: _________!
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Mail completed form to:! Compass | Attn: Membership! 201 N. Dixie Hwy.! Lake Worth, FL 33460!
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Questions? 561.533.9699 or compass@compassglcc.com
This newsletter is printed by Compass Gay & Lesbian Community Center in partnership with South Florida Gay News
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@CompassCenter
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COMPASS COMMUNITY CENTER!
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201 North Dixie Highway! Lake Worth, FL 33460! Phone 561.533.9699 | Fax 561.586.0635! Compassglcc.com | Compass@Compassglcc.com!
! HOURS OF OPERATIONS! !
Community Center Hours! Monday - Thursday 10 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.! Fridays 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.! Saturdays 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.!
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David Bohnett CyberCenter Hours! Monday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.! Fridays 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.!
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Rapid HIV Testing Hours! Mondays & Thursdays 4 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.! Tuesdays 1 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.!
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First Thursday of the month! the Department of Health provides Hepatitis A & B Vaccinations, Hepatitis C & Syphilis Testing, Tetanus Shots & Flu Shots (seasonal)