The Lesbian Community Cancer Project is set to merge with Howard Brown Health Center and become the Lesbian Community Care Project of Howard Brown Health Center, officials announced last week.

A press conference formally announcing details of the merger was scheduled for Oct. 24.

LCCP moved into HBHC’s complex at 4025 Sheridan Road in September 2004 after struggling financially for several years. The five-year agreement between the organizations provided that they would share space and internal staff resources, with each maintaining its separate identity and federal non-profit status.

Jessica Halem, who was LCCP executive director at that time, said Oct. 19 that she expects the merger to lead to more comprehensive healthcare services for the entire GLBT community.

“I couldn't be happier,” Halem said. “True and real access for all—not just some. Maybe others will learn from this groundbreaking, historic merger and stop leaving some of the LGBTQ community behind. This is what community building looks like.”

—M.S.