Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective Wants You to Have a Healthy New Year

Everyone makes resolutions for the new year. It's a tradition, right? You can make it easier when you partner with�the Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective.�Now is the time to make that appointment for STD testing.

When was the last time you had your teeth cleaned? Are you due for a pelvic exam and Pap test? Looking for a doctor, counselor or support group? Our Resource List can help you out. Now more than ever, the Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective�is here for you! We wish you a peaceful, happy and healthy New Year!

Start the New Year right by getting yourself tested!�If there's one thing the Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective is known for, it's that we give great tests. Namely, HIV and STD. Our staff and volunteers will make your visit relaxed, easy and informative. No judgement here! In this day and age, anyone who is sexually active should get tested.

You can be infected and be spreading dangerous STDs without even knowing it -- you owe it to your partners and to yourself to be tested at least every six months. And no one is turned away if they are unable to afford the fee. We have seen an alarming increase in the number of cases of syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia, sometimes all at the same time. Don't put this off! �

If there's one thing that we take for granted, it's our teeth. However, your oral health may be the cornerstone of our overall health. Your mouth is the window into the health of your body. Symptoms of many diseases may first become apparent in your mouth in the form of lesions or other oral problems.

More than 100 million Americans skip seeing their dentist, according to the American Dental Association. Why be a part of this sad crowd when you can visit the Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective? Our Dental program will bring a smile to your face. Call Dental Program Coordinator Randol Vasquez at 860-278-4163 x121 for your appointment.

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, a chance to raise awareness about how you can protect yourself from cervical cancer. About 20 million Americans currently have HPV, the most common sexually transmitted disease and a major cause of cervical cancer. Early detection of cervical cancer is critical and can be lifesaving. Early detection is accomplished with regular screening tests (called Pap tests) and follow-up care.

Cervical cancer screenings can help detect abnormal (changed) cells early, before they turn into cancer. We are trans friendly. And no one is turned away if they are unable to afford the fee. Our clinic on Monday and Thursday evening provides expert screenings.

Preparing your taxes? Need some deductions? The gift you give today will allow the Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective to flourish for years to come. The options are many: distribution from retirement funds, tax-planned gifts, trusts and bequests. There are benefits to gifting to a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization like the Health Collective. Consult your financial advisor or lawyer about the best way to make a gift that suits your financial situation.

A donation is quick and easy when you do it online. Just move your mouse over the image of the hands holding the gift and you can do your first good deed of the new year. Remember that your gift to the Health Collective helps Connecticut's LGBTQ and HIV/AIDS communities stay healthy and strong. It's a win-win situation for everyone!

Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective is always looking for new members of our Board of Directors to help guide our mission and implement our strategic plan. If you can contribute two evenings per month and have skills in finance, health, fundraising, human resources, legal and/or marketing, please consider joining our board.

One of the oldest LGBT organizations in Connecticut, the Health Collective is a dynamic organization that does important work which impacts many in our community. Your involvement can make a difference. For more information, please contact Brad Kleinerman at [email protected] or 860-817-5241.