New LGBTQ+ health services website debuts
NORRISTOWN >> Recognizing National LGBT Health Awareness Week, local leaders issued a proclamation and unveiled the newly revamped Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services’ LGBTQ+ health and support website.
“The content is great. It is so welcoming, and just a fantastic upgrade to what we had,” Montgomery County Commissioners’ Chairwoman Valerie Arkoosh said during the March 4 commissioners’ meeting.
The online refresh was a long time coming, according to Richard Buttacavoli, cofounder of the Montgomery County LGBT Business Council.
Buttacavoli first recalled the need for a stronger web presence to provide access to service in 2016. A website was created, but several years later, he noted the website needed updating.
Buttacavoli then connected with Cameron McConkey, a Stoneleigh Emerging Leader Fellow with Philadelphia Fight, while attending “a services and advocacy event for LGBT seniors.”
The two later brought their concerns to county officials, and they got to work outlining priorities for the updated page on the county’s health and human services website. Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services Director Tara Gaudin and Community Information Content Manager Tammy Tarloski were spotlighted for their efforts.
“When Cameron and I first walked into the room, and Tara came in, she really lit up the room, and I could tell that this was going to be an incredible journey,” Buttacavoli said.
“I also just want to acknowledge Tammy Tarloski, who’s done a lot of the ... nuts and bolts work of actually getting this put together and posted,” Arkoosh said.
McConkey shared several new features on the webpage including local resources for housing, mental health, sexual and reproductive health care, transgender health care, and HIV care and prevention.
“Our approach to updating the website was grounded in an understanding of the health disparities that impact LGBTQ people,” McConkey said.
He added there’s now a mission, vision and call to action spelled out with specific language as well as a message of inclusion.
“You’ll also notice the new website now includes images of LGBTQ people of all races, genders and ages,”
McConkey said. “We want everyone who visits these pages to see themselves reflected in media content that shows the beauty and diversity of our community.”
The process took about one year with the reveal originally slated for March 2020, according to Buttacavoli, but it was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This has been just a fantastic journey together,” Arkoosh said. “I think it’s taken us a little bit longer, COVID got a little bit in the way here, but we didn’t let it stop us and the site looks fantastic.”
Montgomery County Commissioners’ Vice Chairman Ken Lawrence Jr. agreed.
“The site looks great, but I have to give a special shoutout to my man, Ricky,” Lawrence said. “Ricky, you’re the one who brought this to our attention, and brought it to our attention again, and made sure it got done.
“Ricky, thank you for your tireless advocacy for the LGBT community, not just on this issue, but on many issues here in Montgomery County,” he continued. “I want to thank you for your friendship and for the education that you’ve given me on many of these issues as well.”
“I want to thank Montgomery County for your commitment to the LGBT community in helping to address these needs, and when I say that I get a little chill down my spine because you’ve always been so supportive of the community,” Buttacavoli said. “Efforts like this continue to strengthen how local government supports its citizens.”
The March 4 proclamation designates March 2226 as National LGBT Health Awareness Week in Montgomery County, and officials urged “all residents and health care partners to help end these disparities and safeguard comprehensive and inclusive services for LGBTQ+ individuals and fighting against LGBTQ+ discrimination and bias.”
The document was signed by Arkoosh and Lawrence. Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Gale was not listed on the document. Following the presentation, Arkoosh asked Gale if there was anything he’d like to say, but he had “no comments.”
Go to www.montcopa. org/3349/LGBTQ-Healthand-Support for more information.
“I encourage all of you to visit the page and challenge you to learn or unlearn one new thing about the LGBTQ community,” McConkey said. “It is a lifelong process to disrupt bias and stigma, and I hope this webpage offers tools to aid all of us in that work.”