SAN FRANCISCO—Good Vibrations, the legendary San Francisco-based retailer, has announced its partnership with Lyon-Martin, an iconic healthcare provider for the LGBT community.
Due to an economic crisis, Lyon-Martin is at risk of shutting its doors. Good Vibrations hopes that donations will keep the doors open at this San Francisco institution that offers excellent health care to women and transgender people in a safe and compassionate environment with sensitivity to sexual and gender identity; services are provided regardless of ability to pay.
Good Vibrations’ customers can support Lyon-Martin by making a financial gift at the time of their purchase in any of the San Francisco stores. Lyon-Martin recently announced its intentions to close its doors due to financial crisis. A community forum, organized in response to the announcement, generated grassroots mobilization and fundraising aimed at keeping Lyon-Martin's services available to its nearly 2,500 patients.
"We're thrilled at the response we've gotten from key decision makers in San Francisco, and from the overwhelming community support pouring in," said Dawn Harbatkin, the clinic's interim executive director. "The community's actions show how important Lyon-Martin's survival is to so many people."
The immediate overall goal is $250,000. Lyon-Martin needs to raise at least $250,000 to reduce immediate debts and be able to continue providing invaluable healthcare to its patients. Should that happen, Lyon-Martin may be able to reorganize rather than close. To this end, the clinic will continue to accept donations and pledges.
"We're looking to community members to support us at this time," Harbatkin said. "Any money raised will be used to help reduce our debt in hopes of continuing patient care."
GiVe is Good Vibrations' extensive donation and sponsorship program. For more than 30 years, Good Vibrations has partnered with hundreds of local and national nonprofit organizations donating products, advertising and sponsorship for fundraisers and has provided much needed support for women’s shelters, HIV/AIDS research, art programs, LGBT benefits, breast cancer awareness and much more.
Additionally, every several months Good Vibrations partners with a different nonprofit organization and encourages their customers to contribute directly to them at check-out, online and in the stores. The recipient organization gets 100 percent of the money raised from donations.
This February Good Vibrations is proud to sponsor four three different, regional nonprofits that serve its communities:
San Francisco: Lyon-Martin
LMHS offers comprehensive primary care and behavioral health services, engaging patients in ongoing treatment relationships focusing on prevention and early intervention. LMHS has recently focused on integrating behavioral health, addressing key mental health issues within a non-stigmatized medical setting and providing critical support to patients in making the changes they need to be healthy.
Berkeley: Berkeley Free Clinic
The Free Clinic was founded in 1969 as a "street medicine" clinic that quickly found a niche and a permanent home in the Berkeley community. It has become an icon in the area, and has served countless thousands in a variety of ways during its 40-year history without every charging fees for any services, materials, medications or supplies provided. The Free Clinic is supported solely via individual or organizational donations and government programs.
Boston: AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts
Founded in 1983, AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts, Inc. (AAC), is New England’s first and largest AIDS service organization. AAC provides services for men, women and children living with AIDS and HIV; provides targeted outreach; educates the public and health professionals about how to prevent HIV transmission in accordance with harm reduction principles; and advocates for fair and effective AIDS policy at the city, state and federal levels.
Good Vibrations’ nonprofit partnerships highlight their longstanding commitment to health and well-being for all people. Good Vibrations C.O.O. Jackie Strano explained, "Physical health is the cornerstone of well-being, and everyone should have access to quality health care and information. We appreciate the interconnectedness of physical and sexual health, and proud to partner with organizations that provide healthcare to those who need it, regardless of their economic standing. Your contribution makes a difference!"
Staff Sexologist Dr. Carol Queen said, “These three organizations have proven their commitment to quality services for all, and that benefits everyone. We are confident that our customers will appreciate an easy opportunity to make a difference, for themselves and people in their communities. Let’s show these fine health providers some love!”
To learn more about Good Vibrations GiVe program and to see this year’s beneficiaries, visit Goodvibes.com/content.jhtml?id=GiVe-Donations-Sponsorship or contact Camilla Lombard at (415) 974-8985, ext. 201, or [email protected].
