The Phillip Rush Center

Founded in 1996, the organization originally focused on support for lesbians in the Metro-Atlanta area affected by cancer. Women encountered a predominantly heterosexual and often homophobic system of care with little or no support for them, their partners, or their caregivers. The organization provided lesbian-friendly support groups for those living with a cancer diagnosis and cultural competency trainings for healthcare professionals.

In 2004, the request for services grew and the organizational focus shifted to address a variety of health disparities impacting lesbians, including obesity and diabetes. The Community Health Fund was established in 2008 to help cover the cost of care for individuals that were uninsured or under insured. 

In 2011, the Health Initiative responded to the increasing number of requests for assistance coming from the men's community and those living outside the Metro-Atlanta area by expanding its reach and incorporating health and wellness services for all LGBT Georgians.

Our Mission:

The Health Initiative is dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of Georgia's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community through education, support, access to care and advocacy.

Our Goals:

1. Develop programs to address LGBT health needs that are cost-effective, represent a diverse audience, and utilize community partnerships whenever possible.

2. Create an environment in which the LGBT community is educated about their healthcare options and feel comfortable connecting to existing mainstream systems.

3. Eliminate financial barriers that prevent LGBT individuals from accessing basic healthcare, including annual screenings and routine checkups.

4. Promote healthy, active lifestyle choices that increase mental and physical wellbeing and the overall longevity of LGBT individuals.

5. Educate healthcare providers about LGBT health disparities and serve as a resource in their efforts to deliver quality, competent care to the community. 

Work Toward Our Goals:

The Health Initiative is responsible for a variety of health & wellness programs and is actively engaged in smoke-free initiatives, fitness & nutrition promotion, issues of aging, assistance in accessing primary care, community health screenings, creation of healthy social opportunities, domestic violence support & prevention, cultural competency trainings for providers, and addressing health disparities within specific LGBT populations.