We have been in close communication with our partners at the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), Cuyahoga County Board of Health (CCBH) and Cleveland Department of Public Health (CDPH) to monitor the spread of the virus as well as stay up to date on information about prevention, vaccination and treatment. Additionally, Dr. Ann Avery from MetroHealth has conducted sessions for our program participants to provide education about the virus, prevention methods and treatment. Our POLs have incorporated this information into their talking points as they conduct street outreach.

On Wednesday last week (8/17) the Center hosted a Community Forum on Monkeypox which featured our local health experts and live Q&A from the audience. We were also able to offer the vaccine on-site that day and while official numbers have yet to be finalized, the initial count indicates that we vaccinated at least 20 individuals.

We are currently coordinating logistics for a pop-up vaccination clinic to be held at the Center so that we can continue to create access for our community. We are awaiting confirmation of the date and time and will get that info out as soon as we have it. Right now it’s looking like Wednesday this week.

Additionally, we are working with CCBH to ensure that we have a vaccine clinic for those who got vaccinated on Wednesday last week at the forum to be able to receive their second dose at the Center.

Finally, we are coordinating with CCBH and CDPH around a vaccination campaign to have pop-up clinics at spaces and places frequented by LGBTQ+ folx including Leather Stallion, Cocktails, bath houses, Symposium etc. Updates to come as we get logistics finalized with CCBH.

Leather Stallion Saloon hosted a pop up vaccine clinic on 8/21 and CCBH administered over 200 doses!

More to come.