Healthy Hub Opens in Tampa, Florida

Ybor City in central Tampa recently saw a leading HIV/AIDS service organization and pharmacy relocate to the historic neighborhood. Area residents finally have better access to much-needed services, officials say.

Metro Wellness and Community Centers was the first to open at 1315 E. Seventh Ave. Metro provides a variety of HIV/AIDS-related programs, ranging from woman’s empowerment to substance abuse. Metro assists roughly 3,500 people annually, not including the thousands who receive free STD testing or who participate in prevention programs. The agency also has offices in St. Petersburg and New Port Richey.

Metro made the move from its office in Seminole Heights to Ybor City in November. It plans to open a teen center and a medical clinic serving LGBT youths. “We’re pretty excited because there is a lot of opportunity here,” said Lorraine Langlois, executive director of the agency.

Following Metro’s lead was BioScrip, a pharmacy that specializes in medicines for HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other diseases. The retailer provides comprehensive services, including counseling, adherence and compliance, home health, delivery, and education. It relocated from South Tampa to the E. Seventh Avenue location.

Tom Keating, president and CEO of the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce, said people who live and work in the neighborhood have long asked for the kind of health-focused organizations now found at the Badcock building. “I think it’s interesting to have a building that is actually purposed in that niche,” he added.

The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.


TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!