Local
Chase Brexton launches HIV prevention clinic
Ensuring access to PrEP, PEP
Chase Brexton Health Care (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)
In an effort to reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission and increase access to lifesaving treatment, Chase Brexton Health Care has launched the new POWER (Protecting Ourselves With Every Resource) Clinic to offer HIV and sexually transmitted infection testing, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV.
“We started the POWER Clinic as a dedicated space for people to learn about PrEP without fear of stigma or judgment,” said Dr. John Vaz, Director of HIV and Infectious Diseases at Chase Brexton in a statement. “While PrEP has been around for a few years, there still isn’t a lot of information out there. PrEP is the newest tool in our toolbox to help stop the spread of HIV.”
The POWER Clinic, funded in part by a grant from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, provides services to individuals regardless of whether they have insurance. Uninsured patients will be charged a sliding fee based on their income. Insured patients can be referred to the clinic by a primary care provider, HMO or managed care plan. Patients are able to receive same-day HIV testing.
The POWER Clinic is located at Chase Brexton’s Mount Vernon center, 1111 N. Charles St. in Baltimore. Its regular hours are Thursdays, by appointment, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and Fridays, for walk-ins, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The clinic also offers PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) an HIV prevention method that involves starting anti-HIV medications within 72 hours after being potentially exposed to HIV to try to reduce the risk of becoming infected.
Patients may contact the POWER Clinic with questions at 410-837-2050, ext. 8813. The new Chase Brexton HIV patient hotline is 410-837-2050 ext. 8829. Additional information is available at chasebrexton.org.
Virginia
VIDEO: LGBTQ groups march in Va. inaugural parade
Abigail Spanberger took office on Saturday
The inaugural ceremonies for Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger were held in Richmond, Va. on Saturday. Among the groups marching in the parade were Diversity Richmond and the Virginia Pride project of Diversity Richmond.
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Virginia
Va. Senate approves referendum to repeal marriage amendment
Outgoing state Sen. Adam Ebbin introduced SJ3
The Virginia Senate on Friday by a 26-13 vote margin approved a resolution that seeks to repeal a state constitutional amendment that defines marriage as between a man and a woman.
Outgoing state Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria) introduced SJ3. The Senate Privileges and Elections Committee on Wednesday approved it by a 10-4 vote margin.
Same-sex couples have been able to legally marry in Virginia since 2014. Outgoing Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin in 2024 signed a bill that codified marriage equality in state law.
A resolution that seeks to repeal the Marshall-Newman Amendment passed in the General Assembly in 2021. The resolution passed again in 2025.
Two successive legislatures must approve the resolution before it can go to the ballot. Democrats in the Virginia House of Delegates have said the resolution’s passage is among their 2026 legislative priorities.
“It’s time for Virginia’s Constitution to reflect the law of the land and the values of today,” said Ebbin after Friday’s vote. “This amendment, if approved by voters, would affirm the dignity of all committed couples and protects marriage equality for future generations.”
Maryland
Layoffs and confusion at Pride Center of Maryland after federal grants cut, reinstated
Trump administration move panicked addiction and mental health programs
By ALISSA ZHU | After learning it had abruptly lost $2 million in federal funding, the Pride Center of Maryland moved to lay off a dozen employees, or about a third of its workforce, the Baltimore nonprofit’s leader said Thursday.
The group is one of thousands nationwide that reportedly received letters late Tuesday from the Trump administration. Their mental health and addiction grants had been terminated, effective immediately, the letters said.
By Wednesday night, federal officials moved to reverse the funding cuts by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, estimated to total $2 billion, according to national media reports. But the Pride Center of Maryland’s CEO Cleo Manago said as of Thursday morning he had not heard anything from the federal government confirming those reports.
The rest of this article can be read on the Baltimore Banner’s website.
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