Local pride center event providing multiple health services

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) - The Pride Center of the Capital Region was filled with nearly 100 people on Saturday. The second annual Midsummer's Backyard Bash welcomed people of color, the LGBTQ community, and allies to the event just as Pride Month comes to an end.

The bash was sponsored and given services by six health centers and organizations that offered free medical services and a safe space to discuss mental health and substance abuse issues.

Organizations Involved:

• In Our Own Voices
• Albany Damien Center
• Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Center
• Alliance for Positive Health
• Alzheimer's Association of Northeastern NY
• Justin Chaires for NY

The event offered free HIV, Hepatitis C, and STI testing, and a chance to talk with professionals in a less intimidating setting.

David Reynolds, who attended the event, said the bash meant more than just meeting new people, and gave people the ability to learn about the resources and services available in the Capital Region.

"Sometimes if you have to go to some place official, that's a harder step to do," Reynolds said. "This is a more casual environment, where you can actually hear about what's here for you and hear from other people who may be going through the same thing."

With support from organizations like the Albany Damien Center, Marine Taveres, an LGBTQ Health Navigator at the Albany Damien Center, said those in attendance felt the support from the area's resources.

"So, it's kind of important to show up and show that we are still providing these services and getting any services to people that deserve them," Taveres said. "So any chance to show up for the community and show them that we are here is important."

The event also recognized that testing is an important aspect of support for the community. Shei Manon, the event organizer, said it was crucial to aid in the effort to combat the growing numbers of illnesses in the region.

"A lot of people are in need of health care, treatment, especially STIs and HIV," Manon said. "That's something that is running rampant right now. STI rates are through the roof in the Capital Region. Other stuff, like employment, some of the organizations here are providing employment; you name it, it's needed because we don't have enough."