At Whitman-Walker we are rooted in community. Since 1973, we have aspired to be a welcoming space for those who need and want our services.
Our journey began as a space for gay men to receive STD care without discrimination and fear. In the 1980’s, we became the epicenter for those impacted by HIV/AIDS during the AIDS epidemic. First caring for gay men and later establishing programs to address the needs of women impacted by HIV. And today we continue our legacy of providing care and services with respect, dignity and grace to anyone who wants to be part of our community.
We recognize that we have not always lived up to the expectations that those in our care and in community have of us. We strive to learn from those past experiences, and we endeavor to be an inclusive space that centers the needs and experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, LGBTQIA+ people, and systemically underserved communities. This requires a collective commitment to promote equitable and inclusive care, research, policy, education and an infrastructure and culture that supports this commitment.
Rooted in the experiences of social justice movements, Whitman-Walker pledges to provide a space where each unique story is celebrated. And we welcome you to help us celebrate our story as we move through 2023 and beyond.
Thank you for being part of our community.
A little more about Whitman-Walker in 2023:
For over fifty years, Whitman-Walker has been part of the fabric of the DC and national community as first responder and care-provider for those living with HIV; a leader in LGBTQ care and advocacy; a research center working to discover breakthroughs in HIV treatment and prevention science; and one of the DC’s most trusted partners when health emergencies impact the city.
Whitman-Walker envisions a society where all people are seen for who they are, treated with dignity and respect, and afforded equal opportunity to health and wellbeing. Through care, advocacy, research, and education, the organization strives to ensure all persons can live healthily and love openly. At the core of the organization is a desire to create safe spaces where people are seen for who they are.
Our spectrum of services include:
At Whitman-Walker Health (WWH) we provide primary medical care, behavioral health care, dental care, and a range of health-related legal and support services to more than 20,000 individuals and families annually in the greater Washington, DC region. Our care continues to be centered around our expertise and legacy in LGBTQ+ and HIV care. At Whitman-Walker Health -- "We See You" -- which means to us that we see patients, but we see the person first.
Whitman-Walker Health System is driven to help Whitman-Walker Health grow and to position the organization as the nation's leader in LGBTO-inclusive care, advocacy, research, and education. Whitman-Walker Health System (WWHS) exists to support the operations of WWH and expand the capacities of some of our most important and crucial functions including fundraising, research and thought leadership.
Whitman-Walker Institute is one of the country's premiere organizations focused on advancing the health and wellbeing of people facing barriers to quality care, particularly LGBTQ people and people living with HIV, through the strategic integration of clinical expertise, research acumen, quality education and policy change. The Institute has its own 501 (c)3 designation and board of directors. Through the Whitman-Walker Institute - "We Hear You" - which means that our advocacy, education and research must be community-centered in order to make a difference in our community.
Whitman-Walker Foundation uses community-based philanthropy to ensure sustainability and support growth for all Whitman-Walker companies. The Foundation has its own 501 (c)3 designation and board of directors. At the Whitman-Walker Foundation - "We Need You" - which means that we need community support in order to support our community.
Real Property Holdings guides the organization to make strategic business decisions regarding our real estate so that we can invest the earnings back into community.
For 50 years, we have been a sanctuary for the underserved communities of Greater DC.
Through multiple sites, our staff provides stigma-free, culturally competent and vital healthcare to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer communities, as well to those living with or affected by HIV; and to individuals who cannot afford to pay or feel uncomfortable in other healthcare settings.
For 50 years, we have been a place where we see the person first; a place where patients are treated with the dignity, respect and love they deserve.
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2018
- 40th Anniversary of Whitman-Walker, 45th anniversary of original founding
- "Feb- Pioneers of Black Journalism: Honoring the Legacy of Max Robinson event
- Apr- Don Blanchon received the Gay and Lesbian Activisits Alluance 2018
- Distinguished Service Award
Oct- LGBTQ Cultural Competency Summit - WW Policy Team Hosts 1st
2019
- Jan - Whitman-Walker announces the creation of Whitman-Walker Health System. Naseema Shafi becomes CEO of Whitman-Walker Health & Don Blanchon becomes CEO of Whitman-Walker Health System
- Nov - LIZ Building Dedication & Celebration
- Nov - Mayor Bowser announces Whitman-Walker will build a new Max Robinson Center at the Campus of Saint Elizabeths
2020
- Naseema receives Washington Women of Excellence Award
- Mar-Whitman-Walker begins implementing COVID protocols
• COVID taskforce, telehealth • Partnership w/ PowerOn - Summer-Whitman-Walker issues a Community Response
2021
- Jan- Dr. Biden visits Whitman-Walker on her first day as First Lady
- Nov - Ryan Moran joins as CEO of Whitman-Walker Health System
- July - Groundbreaking for the New Max Robinson Center
- Oct - 35th Annual Walk & Run to End HIV (celebrated virtually)
2022
- Aug-Mpox vaccine clinic
- Oct-Whitman-Walker hosts 36th Annual Walk to End HIV at Saint Elizabeths
- Secretary Becerra's visit