Pride Center of Vermont and its GLAM Vermont program have a new health and wellness coordinator and his name is Richard A. Elliott.
“Richard brings with him a very welcoming and inclusive approach to public health that is truly invaluable for the work we do in this program,” stated Taylor Small, the center’s director of health and wellness, in a press release. “As we continue to push for expanded healthcare access for LGBTQ+ Vermonters, his experience and perspective in doing that work will only strengthen our abilities.”
Elliott has had five years prior experience in the LGBTQ healthcare system not only a client, but as community health outreach educator at Project REAL, a Visiting Nurse Association of Central New Jersey program. In that role, “he found a passion for educating his peers, getting in touch with his community and helping to make much-needed improvements to LGBTQ+ healthcare systems,” states the release. He earned his undergraduate degree in special education from Kean University.
Part of his new role will be co-coordinating the center’s GLAM Vermont program, which connects gay, bi and trans Vermonters, ages 18–35, with safe sex strategies and resources for HIV and STI prevention and education. This also puts him in a position to connect with the most at-risk demographics for HIV transmission in ways that foster community, conversation and camaraderie, through social gatherings and events, according to the release.
“I’m heartened to be a part of the family at Pride Center of Vermont,” said Elliott. “This work is meaningful and powerful, and I’m excited to be an advocate and educator for LGBTQ+ Vermonters and their health.”
For more, go to the Pride Center of Vermont’s website.
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