The Health Collective

What The Health Collective does

The Health Collective (legal name: The Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective, Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community health organization founded in 1983 and incorporated in 1986, headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut. It operates a multi-site clinical and community programming model across Connecticut (Hartford, Manchester, and Cromwell locations), serving the LGBTQIA+ community and people living with HIV/AIDS across 11 counties. Core service offerings include medical services (STI testing/treatment, HIV care, PrEP/PEP access, sexual wellness visits), HIV support services (case management, food pantry, hot meals, support groups, Aid-a-Pet program), dental services (general dentistry and Ryan White Dental Services for HIV-positive patients), mental health services, and CPR training & certification. The organization also manages signature events including Queer Prom (Connecticut's oldest prom since 1994), One Big Event annual gala, True Colors SOGIEcon (nation's largest LGBTQIA+ youth conference, merged into the organization in 2024), and Hartford Pride Fest & Concert (leadership assumed in 2025).

The technological foundation is standard clinical healthcare: PatientFusion patient portal for result access, MyUpdox appointment scheduling, Updox secure messaging, and Square/GiveEffect/PayPal for donation processing. Specialized clinical offerings include 3-site STI testing, 4th generation HIV lab testing, rapid HIV testing, and PrEP medication support. The organization does not accept health insurance for most services and operates on a recommended donation basis for clinic visits (e.g., $50 + $50 recommended donation for standard STD visits), with sliding fee scales for dental self-pay patients and a $65 flat rate for CPR certification.

The business model is a mixed nonprofit revenue structure: (1) charitable donations via Square and GiveEffect platforms, (2) clinic service fees on recommended donation basis, (3) corporate event sponsorships for One Big Event at multiple tiers (Really Big, Bigger, Biggest, Seriously Big), (4) dental insurance billing (most dental PPO plans), (5) CPR training flat-rate fees with on-site delivery, and (6) local business Pride fundraising campaigns. The organization employs 21 staff (with nearly half holding advanced degrees and multilingual capabilities) supplemented by over 100 volunteers, and is led by Executive Director David A. Grant with a Board of Directors including E John McGarvey (President) and other civic leaders.

Name

The Health Collective

Legal name

The Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective, Inc.

Website

https://healthcollective.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1983

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Health Collective is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1983 that provides LGBTQIA+-affirming medical, dental, HIV, mental health, and CPR training services across three Connecticut locations. It also operates signature community events including Queer Prom, One Big Event, and True Colors SOGIEcon.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

LGBTQIA+ Community Health Services

NAICS

Ambulatory Health Care Services (621), Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Offices of Physicians, Mental Health Specialists (621112)

SIC

Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Offices & Clinics Of Doctors Of Medicine (8011)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPAGACAC

Community Health, Prevention & Health Education

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Health & Medical Nonprofits

SECONDARYBPAGACAB

Hospitals, Clinics & Charitable Healthcare Providers

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Health & Medical Nonprofits

Keywords

• LGBTQ healthcare services
• HIV support services
• STI testing and treatment
• Gender-affirming aesthetics
• Community health nonprofit

Headquarters

HQ city

Hartford

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization relying on charitable donations from individuals and businesses. Multiple donation channels including Square site and GiveEffect platform. Donations support LGBTQ+ and HIV+ individuals in Connecticut.
2. Clinic Service Fees: Recommended donation basis for clinic services. Standard STD visits start at $50 + $50 donation. Does not currently accept health insurance for most services.
3. CPR Training Fees: Flat-rate CPR certification at $65 per person for on-site training and site visits. Equipment rental and transportation is $50 per site visit.
4. Dental Services: Accepts most dental PPO insurance plans. Ryan White Dental Services for HIV-positive patients. Sliding fee scale available for self-pay patients.
5. Event Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorships for One Big Event annual gala at multiple tiers (Really Big, Bigger, Biggest, Seriously Big). Auction item donations from community.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

The Health Collective is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers LGBTQIA+ affirming clinical care (medical, dental, HIV support, mental health), CPR training, and community-building events (Queer Prom, One Big Event, True Colors SOGIEcon, Hartford Pride Fest & Concert). Services are operated from brick-and-mortar clinics in Hartford, Manchester, and Cromwell, CT, complemented by telehealth and off-site community testing outreach.

Product overview

The Health Collective is a nonprofit community health organization offering a comprehensive suite of healthcare and wellness services specifically designed for the LGBTQIA+ community and people living with HIV/AIDS. The organization operates a multi-site model with locations in Hartford and Manchester, Connecticut, plus a new Gender Aesthetics Center in Cromwell. Core service offerings span Medical Services (STI/HIV testing, PrEP, sexual wellness), HIV Support Services (medical care coordination, case management, food/meals, support groups), and Dental Services (routine care, restorative dentistry, Ryan White program). Beyond clinical care, the organization provides Health Education Programs, Mental Health Services, CPR Training & Certification, and manages signature events including Queer Prom (Connecticut's oldest prom since 1994), One Big Event (annual black-tie gala fundraiser), True Colors SOGIEcon (nation's largest LGBTQIA+ youth conference), and Hartford Pride Fest & Concert. The organization also operates an Internship Program and LGBTQIA+ Scholarships for high school seniors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Medical Services Comprehensive LGBTQIA+-affirming medical care including STI testing and treatment (3-site oral/urine/rectal testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis B and C), 4th generation HIV lab testing, rapid HIV testing (20-minute), sexual wellness visits (Pap tests, breast exams), and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) support for Truvada, Descovy, and Apretude. Services are provided at Hartford and Manchester locations on a recommended donation basis (Standard STD Visit $50 + $50 donation).
• HIV Support Services Comprehensive HIV continuum of care including connections to medical care, dental services (Ryan White Dental Services), case management, food pantry and hot meals, support groups, the Aid-a-Pet program, and community cookouts for individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS. Services delivered at Hartford and Manchester locations.
• Dental Services Full-service dental care for the LGBTQIA+ community including routine exams and cleanings, X-rays, oral cancer testing, restorative dentistry (implants, dentures, crowns), specialized treatments (scaling, root planing, night guards, sleep apnea appliances), Ryan White Dental Services for HIV-positive patients, and Senior Dentures for individuals over 50. Accepts most dental PPO insurance plans and offers a sliding fee scale for self-pay patients.
• CPR Training & Certification American Heart Association BLS CPR & AED certification training offered at a flat rate of $65 per person, delivered either at the Health Collective facility or on-site at client organizations (limited to 6 participants per session for quality). Equipment rental and transportation is $50 per site visit; travel within 15 miles is free, with $1 per mile charged beyond.
• Education Programs One-on-one and group health and wellness education sessions, plus community outreach and advocacy. Curriculum topics include LGBTQ+ Cultural Competency, Inclusive Sex Ed 101, and Accessing Healthcare for LGBTQ+ Youth.
• Mental Health Services Therapy, counseling, and support groups tailored to the LGBTQIA+ community, addressing gender dysphoria, coming-out anxiety, and discrimination-related trauma, delivered by culturally competent trained professionals.
• Food Pantry and Nutritional Support Food pantry access and hot meals for individuals and families in need, particularly those affected by HIV/AIDS, operated primarily from the Manchester office.
• Queer Prom Annual safe-space prom for Connecticut high school LGBTQIA+ students featuring supervised volunteers, a dedicated sensory room in partnership with Q-Plus, and accessibility on a sliding-scale ticketed basis ($10 standard rate).
• One Big Event (OBE) Annual Gala Connecticut's premier LGBTQIA+ black-tie fundraising gala with tiered corporate sponsorships (Really Big, Bigger, Biggest, Seriously Big), live and silent auctions, and proceeds supporting the organization's clinical and community programs.
• True Colors SOGIEcon Conference The largest LGBTQIA+ youth conference in the nation, bringing together youth, peers, allies, family members, educators, social workers, clinicians, clergy, and community members for nearly 200 workshops, performances, and activities organized around specific groups and audiences.
• Hartford Pride Fest & Concert 16th annual Pride festival and concert on Church Street with health and wellness activations (HIV/STI testing, health demonstrations) and community programming.
• Gender Aesthetics Center (Health Collective South) State-of-the-art gender-affirming aesthetics center operated in partnership with VIVID Aesthetics & Wellness, offering laser hair removal, hormone therapy, weight management, vitamin infusions, Botox and fillers, and erectile dysfunction treatment in Cromwell, CT.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reached nearly 5,000 community members during Pride Month through testing and outreach
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• CLARO, Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 May 2025The Health Collective has taken leadership in planning and implementing the 2025 Hartford Pride Fest & Concert, formerly organized by CLARO, Inc. since 2009. The event celebrates its 16th anniversary.
• VIVID Aesthetics & WellnesscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 May 2025Partnership to operate the Gender Aesthetics Center (Health Collective South) at 110 Court Street, Cromwell CT. Offers gender-affirming aesthetic services including laser hair removal, hormone therapy, weight management, vitamin infusions, Botox and fillers, and erectile dysfunction treatment.
• New Haven Pride Center (NHPC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 April 2024Partnership to launch LGBTQIA+ scholarship program for high school seniors transitioning to post-secondary education, with awards in each of Connecticut's five congressional districts.
• Connecticut Gay and Lesbian Chamber Foundation (CTGLC Foundation)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 April 2024Partnership to launch LGBTQIA+ scholarship program for high school seniors, providing financial awards and supporting educational opportunities regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Ally WellnessflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner"Empowered By" sponsor for True Colors SOGIEcon 2026 conference. Major sponsor supporting the largest LGBTQ+ youth conference in the nation.
• Health Care Advocates International (HCAI)flagshipGTM or Marketing Partner"Empowered by" sponsor for the relaunch of the True Colors Conference, committed to ending HIV stigma and discrimination and providing gender-affirming care.
• Q-PluscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership providing a dedicated sensory room at Queer Prom for attendees who may need a calm and supportive environment. Grassroots organization for queer youth.
• Mark Twain House & MuseumminorOthersVenue host for Queer Prom 2026, providing the beautiful Mark Twain House location for the annual event for Connecticut high school students.
• Playhouse on ParkminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnered to host a private performance of 'The PROM' musical at the 30th Annual Queer Prom.
• Hartford Marriott DowntownminorOthersVenue host for One Big Event 2025 annual gala on November 8th, 2025.
• True Colors Conference Relaunch Committee (TCCRC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe True Colors Conference (formerly under True Colors, Inc.) has been integrated as a core program of The Health Collective following unanimous vote. Conference was founded in 1994 as 'Children from the Shadows' and became nation's largest LGBTQ+ youth conference.
• University of ConnecticutcoreOthersHost venue for True Colors SOGIEcon 2025 at UConn Storrs campus. Largest LGBTQ+ youth conference in the nation.
• New York City Anti-Violence Project (AVP)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner#ProtectSafeSpaces campaign partner addressing rising threats against LGBTQ+ community. Collaborative initiative to protect safe spaces nationally.
• CenterLink: The Community of LGBTQ CenterscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner#ProtectSafeSpaces campaign partner working to protect LGBTQ+ safe spaces through advocacy and funding.
• Empower, Our Piece of the Pie, Liberty BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOrganizations that supported and chaperoned the 30th Annual Queer Prom, providing volunteers and resources.
• City of HartfordcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity Hall and the Hartford LGBTQ+ Commission stand in support of The Health Collective's leadership of Hartford Pride. Curtis Rodriguez-Porter serves as Chair of the City's LGBTQ+ Commission.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• New Haven Pride Center: New Haven Pride Center serves the LGBTQIA+ community in the New Haven, CT area with programming, support groups, and partnerships (including a current LGBTQIA+ scholarship collaboration with The Health Collective). It is a regional peer rather than a clinical-services competitor.

Direct peers

• Fenway Health: Fenway Health is one of the largest LGBTQIA+ focused community health centers in the U.S., offering primary care, behavioral health, dental, and HIV services in Boston. It is the closest large-scale analog to The Health Collective's integrated clinical and community model on the Northeast corridor.
• Mazzoni Center: Mazzoni Center is a Philadelphia-based health and wellness provider serving LGBTQIA+ communities, offering primary care, behavioral health, gender-affirming care, and HIV services. Highly comparable as a mid-size East Coast LGBTQIA+ health nonprofit.
• Callen-Lorde Community Health Center: Callen-Lorde is a New York-based community health center dedicated to LGBTQIA+ populations, providing primary care, mental health, dental, and HIV care. Its mission, payer mix of uninsured/underinsured LGBTQIA+ patients, and integrated service model directly parallel The Health Collective's approach.
• Howard Brown Health: Howard Brown Health is a Chicago-based LGBTQIA+ community health organization with multiple clinical sites offering primary care, dental, behavioral health, and HIV services. Comparable in mission, service breadth, and nonprofit structure to The Health Collective.
• Whitman-Walker Health: Whitman-Walker Health in Washington, D.C. is a community-centered organization providing primary care, HIV specialty care, dental, mental health, and legal services to LGBTQIA+ populations and people living with HIV - directly comparable to The Health Collective's clinical and HIV legacy.
• Los Angeles LGBT Center: The LA LGBT Center is the world's largest LGBTQIA+ organization, operating multiple sites with primary care, mental health, housing, youth services, and community programming. It mirrors and exceeds The Health Collective's integrated clinical-plus-community-event model at larger scale.
• Chase Brexton Health Care: Chase Brexton is a Maryland-based Federally Qualified Health Center with explicit LGBTQIA+ affirming programs, including primary care, dental, behavioral health, and HIV care across multiple sites. Comparable in community-health-center structure with a specialized LGBTQIA+ focus.

Emerging players

• SAGE (Advocacy & Services for LGBTQ+ Elders): SAGE is a national organization focused on LGBTQ+ older adults, offering advocacy, training, and direct services. Its senior-focused programs (such as the Senior Dentures initiative) intersect thematically with a portion of The Health Collective's service portfolio.

Broad incumbents

• AIDS Healthcare Foundation: AIDS Healthcare Foundation is the largest global HIV/AIDS service organization, operating clinics, pharmacies, and testing programs worldwide. It is a broader incumbent in the HIV care space overlapping with The Health Collective's core HIV/STI service line rather than a direct LGBTQIA+ community-services peer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/healthcollectivect
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/healthcollectivect

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Health Collective