By Ester Ferreira and Gerianne Salamanca Gamez

Care Resource Community Health Center Inc. celebrated its 40-year anniversary on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, at its Midtown Miami Health Center. Community representatives, healthcare partners, and local officials were in attendance to celebrate the organization’s history and achievements.

Photo Courtesy of Keans Llamera

The reception included a ribbon-cutting, welcome ceremony and memorial wall/timeline dedication. Jonathan Welsh, associate director of development and communications, kicked off the ceremony with an inspiring speech highlighting the accomplishments of Care Resource within the community. After that, guests were invited to view the memorial wall and timeline dedication. “The Light Remains” Memorial Wall honors family and friends who have lost their lives from HIV/AIDS. It also serves as a reminder to loved ones that their light remains. The historical timeline showcases the progress this organization has made in the community in its 40 years of service.

Care Resource started out in 1983 as Health Crisis Network, founded by people who had been affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Care Resource is now a nonprofit organization, offering healthcare services to local communities in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Historically, the organization has been an ally of the LGBTQ community, providing services regardless of immigration status, religion, gender, age or insurance. The history of Care Resource’s committed care was presented in the documentary shown in the rooftop during the celebration.

Photo Courtesy of Keans Llamera

Guests were presented with the new leaders who will be carrying on Care Resource’s legacy and City of Miami Commissioner for District Two, Sabina Covo, delivered a proclamation strengthening the relationship between the city and the organization. The event’s atmosphere was filled with hopes of new opportunities and a future where healthcare will be more accessible for all.

Photo Courtesy of Keans Llamera

For more information on Care Resource, please visit their website HERE.