METRO today revealed a new brand name while providing a first look at the recently completed 47,000 square foot state-of-the-art Health and Community Center in St. Petersburg.

For 26 years, METRO has provided healthcare services that are inclusive of all segments of our community, starting with its roots in HIV case management in 1992.

“In our founding days, we served many that were not included in traditional healthcare channels,” said CEO Lorraine Langlois. “Since then, inclusivity has been a guiding theme for the organization in many ways.”

Having directly touched over 18,204 individuals in 2018, new health and community centers allow METRO to meet surging demand, particularly from the LGBTQ+ community, while expanding self-sustaining funding opportunities.

The community center fills the area’s need for 10,000 square feet of high-tech event space with onsite parking and outdoor space with activities. It will serve as the centerpiece of a Saturday, February 9th grand opening celebration, from 2-6pm, where nearly 1,000 people are expected to attend for tours, a cookout, refreshments, live DJ and performances by local entertainer, Matthew McGee.

The community center also includes multiple conference and meeting rooms for METRO’s LGBTQ+ programming as well as professional rentals with digital whiteboards and video conferencing abilities. Soon to be completed will be 5,000 square feet of co-working space, including offices.

Employing an innovative approach, the new health center helps meet increased demand while optimizing intake procedures and patient experience. A centralized nurses station, checkout and on-site pharmacy are strategically placed at the center of exam and intake rooms.

This new facility is a partnership between CAN Community Health and Metro Inclusive Health with specific aspects made possible by individual donors.

A New Name & Brand for Truly “Inclusive” Health

The new brand, Metro Inclusive Health, is a nod to the organization’s role in serving all aspects our community as well as a highly-modernized approach in delivering health services.

Community Impact: In 2018, METRO’s services touched the lives of 18,204 individuals directly and another 8,874 through outreach, for a total of 27,078 individuals impacted regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or economic status.

Holistic Health: With its partner CAN Community Health, METRO remains the only area organizations offering primary care alongside HIV care, treatment and management. METRO also uniquely combines counseling, medical and social programming services, under one roof.

Health That Gives Back: Through a “Copay it Forward” program, insured patients accessing primary care, HIV services or that fill prescriptions at one of our partner pharmacies are making healthcare available to under or uninsured members of our community.

All-Inclusive Health: METRO pioneered an inclusive approach to healthcare through “navigation” and “linkage” connecting every patient to the physical and behavioral health services they need.

LGBTQ+ Community & Wellness Programming: METRO continues to provide LGBTQ+ community service programs at little to no cost. Impacting the lives of hundreds across the Bay area, these continue to be a rare and often life-altering resource for youth, seniors and the Trans community.

About the Logo

Accompanying a new name, the logo design carries significant meaning. The transition of jewel tone colors represent the organization’s commitment to inclusive health for all segments of our Tampa Bay community regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or economic status.

The three main “halo” colors are yellow, for enlightenment and positivity, red for years of service to those with HIV/AIDS and blue, a signature METRO color.

The reverberation of the “halo” represents METRO’s vast impact on the community.