F**k Buddies to Provide Relief for Austin Queers In Need
In response to funding cuts and restrictions for uninsured patients ASHwell will launch F**k Buddies, a monthly giving campaign, to support the newly formed ASHwell Care For All Fund. On Monday, June 20th the community will get to help ASHwell reach their 3-year goal of $1M to provide FREE sexual wellness and social support services to more than 500 uninsured patients.
“ASHwell centers and primarily serves queer people of color with 80% of our patients identifying as queer and/or trans BIPOC and most presenting without healthcare insurance. Once again, the most marginalized folx are at risk of being left behind by systems who have historically failed them. This is a community health issue that requires a community-based solution.” says Afi Wiggins, ASHwell’s InterimExecutive Director. “We are committed to equitable health outcomes for Austin’s queer community and all underserved communities in Austin.” Wiggins says.
At the start of the year a key medication assistance program, designed to help people access HIV preventative drugs like PrEP and PEP, changed its qualifications to no longer support those who are uninsured. This has changed the way clinics, like ASHwell, are able to provide free services to patients.“Our staff specializes in caring for LGBTQIA2+ queer PoC and this fund allows us to focus on their unique needs while wrapping them in services immediately.” says Ben Walker, ASHwell’s Director of
Client Services. “When a patient is left to navigate insurance and assistance programs on their own it can become overwhelming resulting in the patient falling out of care completely.” Walker says.
Marcus Cruz Sanchez, ASHwell’s Deputy Director of Strategic Partnerships and creator of ASHwell F**kBuddies says “This campaign is designed to reach an audience who is constantly inundated with digital marketing by cutting through the noise with innovative content reminiscent of something from their childhood. Imagine a Care Bears take-over of PornHub.” Sanchez adds, “This campaign is fun but also gives everyone a chance to get behind a very impactful mission. Free and equitable healthcare for ALL, especially for queer and trans people of color.”
The official launch of ASHwell F**k Buddies is on Monday June 20th, but you can sign up early athttps://givebutter.com/F__kBuddies. Each level of monthly giving comes with exclusive merch and makes a direct impact on queer health in Austin with 100% of contributions going to cover care of a buddy in need.
