PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Q-MoB is sponsoring two informational briefings for the LGBTQ community regarding health insurance, Social Security, and food stamp benefits. 

 

The organization states the briefings are in response to potential impacts from executive orders and the new Congressional budget.

 

The briefings are being organized by Q-MoB's Ombudsman Advocacy Team, which is recruiting volunteers to assist rural LGBTQ individuals in understanding and potentially protecting or restoring federal benefits. Experts from Berkshire Health Systems Advocacy for Access Program, Elder Services of Berkshire County's SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Everyone) Program, and an Ecu-Health Care SHINE counselor will lead the sessions. Support for the briefings is provided in part by Berkshire United Way.

 

The briefings will take place at the Berkshire United Way conference room in Pittsfield:

Q-MoB's Executive Director, Bart Church, stated that rural LGBTQ individuals, particularly those over 60 and/or who are transgender or gender diverse, may be disproportionately affected by potential benefit changes due to factors such as isolation and historical economic disparities. The organization aims to educate the community to proactively protect their benefits.

 

Individuals interested in attending the free briefings can find registration links on the Q-MoB website. LGBTQ individuals interested in volunteering for Q-MoB's Ombudsman Advocacy Team can find more information online.