Pride Center of Vermont has announced the hiring of Richard A. Elliott to their health and wellness program.
Part of Elliott’s role will be co-coordinating the GLAM Vermont program, which connects gay, bi, and trans Vermonters ages 18-35 with safer sex strategies, supplies, and HIV and STI prevention and education. GLAM follows the national MPowerment Project model of connecting with the most at-risk demographics for HIV transmission in ways that foster community, conversation, and comradery, through social gatherings and events.
“Richard brings with him a very welcoming and inclusive approach to public health that is truly invaluable for the work we do in this program,” said Taylor Small, director of health and wellness at Pride Center of Vermont. “As we continue to push for expanded healthcare access for LGBTQ+ Vermonters, his experience and perspective in doing that work will only strengthen our abilities.”
Elliott is coming to Pride Center of Vermont by way of Asbury Park, New Jersey, and will plan to relocate to Vermont at a future time.
“I’m heartened to be a part of the family at Pride Center of Vermont,” said Elliott. “This work is meaningful and powerful, and I’m excited to be an advocate and educator for LGBTQ+ Vermonters and their health.”
Elliott has five years of experience in the public health field, engaging first as a client, then a volunteer, and eventually becoming Community Health Outreach Educator at Project R.E.A.L. (a Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey program) as part of The Shore’s LGBTQ Social Center. There he found a passion for educating his peers, getting in touch with his community, and helping to make much-needed improvements to LGBTQ+ healthcare systems. Elliott holds a B.S. in Special Education from Kean University at Ocean County College in Toms River, New Jersey.