Health Center Program - Metropolitan Charities, Inc. d/b/a Metro Inclusive Health (METRO) was incorporated in 1992 as a 501(c)(3) organization and has been committed to its mission of providing high quality health and wellness services that are inclusive, relevant, supportive, and represent the lifetime continuum of the diverse people in the Tampa Bay region since that time. METRO provides comprehensive primary and preventive medical care, HIV prevention services, infectious disease treatment, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, outreach, health, wellness, and risk reduction education, behavioral health, psychiatric services, pharmacy, enabling services, youth and older adult programs, social activities, support groups, housing and utility assistance, and other services. METRO promotes a healthy environment for all and fosters diversity within the community regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or economic status. METRO provides primary care at its nine (9) delivery sites throughout Tampa Bay in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties. In 2023, METRO provided care to 7,034 unduplicated patients and reached over 20,000 more through community outreach, social media, and virtual engagements. Throughout its 32 years, METRO has steadily grown and expanded, now providing over 100 services to meet the needs of all persons seeking care, including the unique health care needs of persons living with HIV/AIDS, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) communities, and communities of color. METRO is unique in that it was the first and remains the only HIV/AIDS service organization in the Tampa Bay region to offer an integrated, comprehensive, one-stop, health care home with a wraparound service model of care. Since METRO’s designation as a Health Center Program Look-Alike in April 2020, the organization has expanded its services to meet more community and patient needs. METRO maintains extensive collaborations with local, regional, state, federal agencies, and is a well-respected partner in service delivery. METRO is applying for New Access Point funding for its nine service delivery sites as well as a proposed new service delivery site. The vast service area population encompasses 2,387,419 persons, and the target population of 214,868 includes three intersecting groups: (1) people with incomes under 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines (FPG) including those who are uninsured, underinsured, or otherwise vulnerable; (2) the LGBTQ+ community; and (3) people who are living with HIV/AIDS. Social determinants of health, including high poverty rates and high uninsured rates, particularly among marginalized and minority populations, exacerbate negative health outcomes and overall quality of life. Food and housing insecurity and the stigma of HIV pose additional barriers to care for the target population. Chronic illnesses, including diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, aggravated by tobacco use and obesity, negatively impact morbidity and mortality of area residents. The target population also experiences high rates of infectious disease, HIV, substance misuse issues, and mental health problems, intensified by risk behaviors. Using New Access Point funding, METRO will serve patients through its nine current delivery sites and a new delivery site. METRO’s interdisciplinary team will continue to offer patients a health care home and holistic, integrated, culturally responsive, high-quality, care aimed at improving health outcomes and reducing disparities while meeting the needs of all persons coming for services. With METRO’s inclusive culture, and using NAP funding, by December 31, 2026, the team of over 20 FTE medical and behavioral health providers and over 150 additional professional and ancillary staff will provide care and services to 7,465 unduplicated patients.
