Training And Education
Creating an Affirming Workplace Culture
Persad Center has been training health and human service professionals to work competently with LGBTQ+ individuals and people living with HIV/AIDS for more than four decades. This work isn’t an add on, it’s central to our mission and expands the reach of our affirming care beyond our clinical offerings.
Why This Training Exists and What It Changes
Every LGBTQ+ person deserves access to safe, affirming, and effective care. Persad’s training programs equip healthcare providers and other professionals with the knowledge and confidence to create welcoming and affirming spaces where LGBTQ+ individuals and people living with HIV can receive the care they deserve.
Persad’s training and education work began in 1982 under the leadership of Dr. Jim Huggins. At a time when many healthcare providers were unwilling to treat people living with HIV, Persad helped increase understanding, and improve access to compassionate care.
Today, our commitment continues. Our evidence-based trainings are led by professionals with both lived and clinical experience in LGBTQ+ communities and are designed to strengthen healthcare, educational, and workplace environments.
Training Topics
- LGBTQ+ cultural competency and affirming care practices for providers
- Inclusive communication, pronouns, and terminology
- HIV/AIDS awareness, stigma reduction, and affirming support
- Supporting LGBTQ+ youth in schools and community settings
- Creating inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ clients and staff
- Custom training tailored to organizational needs and populations
Who We Train
Hospitals, health systems, and medical practices
K-12 schools, colleges, and universities
Human service agencies and nonprofits
Corporations, Human Resource and DEI teams
Law enforcement and public safety organizations
Community groups and faith-based organizations working toward inclusion
What to Expect
Training is available in-person or virtually, and can be delivered as a one-hour session or a half-day workshop. We work with your organization to understand your goals, the populations you serve, your current needs, and tailor the training accordingly.
You Can Make a Difference
Persad has been sustained by community support for over 50 years. Financial contributions, in-kind donations, and volunteer time all make a direct difference in the care and services we can provide.
Donate
Your gift funds therapy for clients who can't afford it, keeps the food pantry stocked, supports Phoenix Fitness, and helps Persad continue responding when the community needs something new.
Current Needs
In-kind donations of food, hygiene products, fitness equipment, and supplies make a real difference. Our current needs list is updated regularly.
Volunteer
Volunteers support events, outreach, the food pantry, administrative work, and more. If you want to put your time toward something that matters, Persad has a place for you.