A message from the LGBT Health and Human Services Network

The Pride Agenda recently released its 2007-2008 Annual Report for the New York State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health and Human Services Network. The Network is a coalition of over fifty member organizations who provide non-HIV related services to LGBT New Yorkers across the state. Below is a message from our Network Coordinators in Albany:

Each year the Network educates the State of New York on the health needs of LGBT New Yorkers and how the State needs to provide more resources to address these concerns. The Network Annual Report reflects who the Network serves, what types of programs are offered by member organizations, and how far-reaching the Network is across New York State.

Network members serve LGBT New Yorkers in many ways, including programs that focus on advocacy, clinical services, and health and wellness for LGBT seniors. Some of our member organizations provide services in the legal world ranging from offering direct legal representation and working on precedent-setting lawsuits to heading policy initiatives focusing on anti-discrimination. Another area covered by many of our members is LGBT people of color issues, including anti-violence programs, education and prevention services, community organizing to create change, and family wellness.

Because of the hard work of the Empire State Pride Agenda in conjunction with the Network, LGBT service providers have secured over $40 million in total through the State to fund these programs since the Network was first created in the mid-90s.

In addition to providing these crucial services to local LGBT populations, the Network also works with the State to develop more LGBT-friendly policies. Over the past year, we’ve worked with the Office of Children and Family Services to create safer spaces for LGBT youth in juvenile justice facilities and the Office of the Aging to ensure that LGBT seniors are receiving more competent care. These are just two examples of how LGBT organizations can come together to make a huge difference in the quality of life for thousands of LGBT New Yorkers.

The Network looks forward to a successful and challenging year ahead.