LGBTQIA2+ Health

Building access to quality, affirming mental and physical health care for LGBTQ+ individuals in El Paso County.

El Paso County LGBTQIA2+ Health Equity Initiative

Community Resource Center

Survivors of the Club Q shooting deserve access to a variety of short- and long-term resources as they navigate the aftermath of this tragedy. This requires all of us to come together to support them in whatever ways they need us the most. Healing takes time, and survivors should know that they don’t have to go through it alone. Resources and services come in many forms, including mutual aid, direct payments, support groups, and safe spaces to gather. Each serves a different purpose and offers unique benefits to those in need. 

In the months since the tragedy, CHP has been coordinating efforts with local partners to set up a community resource center (CRC), which is a nationwide best practice following mass violence events.

The CRC, which is scheduled to open its doors in the coming weeks, will provide both immediate and long-term support to survivors and victims’ families. This dedicated community gathering space will offer resource navigation, victim advocacy, and case management. Individuals will have access to mental and behavioral health clinical support, one-on-one counseling, group therapy, and peer support groups. Programmatic activities such as art and music therapy will also be provided. The space and the services offered will be funded through federal and state grants which are not eligible for direct distribution to survivors.

To ensure the CRC is culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, and inclusive of lived experiences, a community advisory board comprised of survivors, advocates, mental health professionals, and representatives from various organizations are guiding and driving these efforts forward. Members include:

  • Stoney Roberts, One Colorado
  • Goddess Tyescha, Community Member & Advocate
  • Justin Burns, Pikes Peak Pride
  • Justice Lord, Community Member
  • Colt Corman, Peak Vista Community Health Centers
  • Rev. Mallory Everhart, Vista Grande Community Church
  • Alex Diaz, Community Member
  • Kelly Kissell, Colorado Office for Victims of Crime
  • Lori Jarvis, National Alliance for Mental Illness
  • Hysteria Brooks, UCPPE / Victim
  • Amber Holland, El Paso County District Attorney’s Office
  • Katie Blickenderfer, Diversus Health
  • Chelsea Sobolik, Rebel’s Project, Aurora Theater Survivor
  • Cole Danielson, Lovelett
  • Danielle Summerville, City of Colorado Springs

Survivors of the Club Q shooting need the support of the entire community during their healing journey. The CRC will be one of many resources available. We encourage survivors to seek out the resources, venues, and groups they find most meaningful. The CRC will be here when they require it, and we hope that it will be a source of healing and support in the days, weeks, months, and years to come.

Want to know more?

If you are interested in learning more about the LGBTQ+ Health Equity initiative, please contact Rachel Keener, LGBTQIA2+ Health Equity Manager, at rachel.keener@ppchp.org