The battle for your health and wellness
Amid a sea of economic, political and cultural uncertainty impacting our country resulting from mismanagement and manipulation by the current federal administration, the American healthcare system is on the verge of implosion. As of September 2026, nearly 20 million Americans are covered by the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid Expansion plan. Let’s begin our exploration into…
When hope feels out of reach
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about the circumstances that can contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. For LGBTQ+ people in particular, challenges such as depression, isolation, hopelessness, discrimination and lack of support can be further compounded by the communities and environments in which they live. The problem and its…
PowerHouse Charlotte to close at end of September after 16 years of HIV support
After more than 16 years of providing free HIV and STD screenings, prevention services, community resources, and a safe and affirming space for young Black gay men, PowerHouse Charlotte will be closing as federal HIV prevention funding shifts away from directly funding community-based organizations. A program of Quality Comprehensive Health Center (QCHC) previously supported through…
Federal agency blocks Medicaid gender-affirming care coverage for youth
A new federal rule will end Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming hormone therapies and procedures for kids under age 18. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced Tuesday a rule that prohibits state Medicaid plans from covering gender-affirming procedures for minors and using federal Medicaid dollars for such care. The rule also prohibits Children’s Health…
LGBTQ+ youth vaping linked to bullying and oppression
A growing body of research suggests LGBTQ+ youth are not vaping at higher rates simply because of trends or individual choices – they are often coping with stress created by discrimination, rejection and social isolation. A new study published in the journal Prevention Science examined what researchers described as the “multi-level risk and protective factors”…
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