Lyon-Martin Health Services, a cherished San Francisco health clinic, long providing much needed health care to marginalized women turned away from standard venues, teeters at the precipice of bankruptcy. Locals have rallied to it's support, raising $200K so far. But more is still needed.
Bay Area resident? Join fellow progressives for a cocktail fundraiser at The Buck tavern in San Francisco on Wednesday February 9th. After the fold, more details along with other ways to help...
I learned about the crisis facing this important Bay Area provider of health services on the Facebook page of the (soon to become infamous) Buck Tavern recently purchased by former San Francisco supervisor Chris Daly and my good friend Ted Strawser. The Buck is quickly becoming THE bay area progressive watering hole and gathering place and I hope bay area Kossack's will get over there and help support this new business venture.
But I digress... back to the crisis facing LMHS. In a very short time the community has rallied raising over $200,000 to try and help put LMHS back on their feet. But more help is needed to get out of the hole they face.
"The outcry from the Bay Area, across the nation, and around the world has been overwhelming," said Lauren Winter, the President of the Board of Directors.
Lyon-Martin needs to raise at least $250,000 to reduce immediate debts and be able to continue providing invaluable healthcare to its patients. Should that happen, Lyon-Martin may be able to reorganize rather than close. To this end, the clinic will continue to accept donations and pledges. "We're looking to community members to support us at this time," said Harbatkin. "Any money raised will be used to help reduce our debt in hopes of continuing patient care."
What is Lyon-Martin Health Services and more importantly why should I care?
Glad you asked... LMHS was founded in 1979 as a clinic for lesbians who lacked access to nonjudgmental, affordable health care.
Lyon-Martin Health Services was founded in 1979 by a group of medical providers and health activists as a clinic for lesbians who lacked access to nonjudgmental, affordable health care. Named after Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin, feminists and well-known LGBTQ civil rights activists, the clinic soon became a model for culturally sensitive community-based health care.
But they've grown to be much more...
Today, Lyon-Martin provides primary and preventive healthcare services to around 2000 patients. Currently, 39% of our patients are people of color; 14% are transgender and 41% self-identify as lesbian or bisexual; 84% live below 200% of the federal poverty level and 14% are homeless. Fifty-eight percent of our patents' appointments address mental health needs.
So cooper... how can I help?
Well... live in the bay area? Like to hang out with fellow progressives? Would you like to drink to raise money? Have I got a deal for you! The Buck Tavern is hosting a fundraiser for LMHS.
Help save Lyon Martin Health Services!
Wednesday, February 9
6:00pm - 11:30pm
Buck Tavern, aka Daly's Dive
1655 Market Street
San Francisco, CA
Come buy drinks from celebrity bartenders to raise money to keep the clinic open -- a portion of all drink sales will go to Lyon Martin.
Bring your friends and buy them drinks -- it's for a good cause!
The community has rallied to raise over $200,000 in the first week after news of the clinic's closure hit. Many of us are patients or have been patients at Lyon Martin and don't want to lost this great community resource. The clinic is not secure yet, and money raised at this event will go to help keeping the doors open.
Hosted by Gabriel Haaland, Laura Thomas, and Brian Basinger.
Thanks to Chris Daly for contributing his bar and a portion of the proceeds!
But wait cooper? Isn't there a way to help LMHS direct without harming my liver?
Of course!! Go direct to LMHS website 'Support Us' page for more information.
I really hope you'll join me in sending a small donation to help this great model of community health care continue to provide valuable health care services.
A hat tip to my editor Clarknt67 for some very helpful tips!