Tacoma: City Council Unanimously Approves Funding for HIV and STI Self-testing for LGBTQ+ Youth

~ On February 24, 2026, the City Council unanimously passed Resolution 41859, which will allocate $30,000 from the Council Contingency Fund to the Oasis Youth Center in Pierce County. The funds will be used to expand access to on-demand, staff-guided HIV and STI self-testing for LGBTQ+ youth ages 14 and older. This resolution was introduced by District 2 Council Member Sarah Rumbaugh and co-sponsored by At-Large Council Members Kristina Walker and Olgy Diaz.

According to Council Member Rumbaugh, this effort is aimed at ensuring that young people do not have to navigate their health alone. She stated that there is a real need for STI and HIV testing in the LGBTQ+ community and that access is only meaningful if it feels safe. By providing testing at Oasis Youth Center, where these youth feel seen, respected, and supported, they can take charge of their health with confidence.

Oasis Youth Center will offer on-demand, staff-guided HIV and STI self-testing within its existing drop-in and support service environment. This will include oral HIV tests, rapid fingerstick HIV tests, and STI self-collection kits for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. The center aims to provide a safe, trusted, and affirming setting for youth to access these services.

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Council Member Walker expressed her support for Oasis Youth Center's work in the community and stated that it is crucial to meet young people where they are in order to provide them with life-saving support. She believes that expanding access to self-testing at the center is an important step towards achieving this goal.

Council Member Diaz also emphasized the importance of providing clear and affirming information to young people so they can make healthy relationship choices. Drawing from her own experience as a teen peer health educator who taught comprehensive sexual health education in high school ESL classrooms, she understands the power of accurate information. She believes that expanding access to self-testing at Oasis Youth Center will empower youth to take control of their health.

Oasis Youth Center is the only organization in Pierce County that specifically caters to the unique needs of queer youth. Their website, oasisyouthcenter.org, provides additional information about their services.

This resolution highlights the City Council's commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ youth and addressing their specific health needs. By providing access to on-demand, staff-guided HIV and STI self-testing at Oasis Youth Center, these young people can receive the care and support they need in a safe and trusted environment.

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