Southampton, NY—Stony Brook Southampton Hospital has announced the David E. Rogers, M.D. Center, which provides comprehensive HIV medical and mental health care to the communities of Eastern Suffolk County, is to be renamed The Edith Windsor Center in 2019. The new designation will honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Edie Windsor, the trailblazer who successfully paved the way for same-sex marriage in the United States. The name change reflects plans for the Center to serve as a dynamic conduit to an expanding array of initiatives as part the Hospital’s vision of reimagining the healthcare landscape on the East End.
“By celebrating Edie’s life and work, we will heighten awareness of the Center’s current mission, as well raise funds for program expansion and a move to Hampton Bays,” said Robert S. Chaloner, Chief Administration Officer. “Edie was a beloved activist within the LGBT community and dedicated her life to advocating for social justice.”
The Edith Windsor Center will also create an annual award to celebrate an individual who best exemplifies Edie’s commitment to fighting oppression. The first award will be presented during the 2019 Edie’s Backyard BBQ, a Memorial Day Weekend benefit that is recognized by many as the official “start” to the summer season on the East End. The award recipient will be selected by an esteemed committee of appointed leaders and influencers who are dedicated to eradicating discrimination.
The Rose Walton Care Services will continue as a primary focus of the Center by continuing to deliver comprehensive outpatient medical and mental health care and support services to people living with HIV/AIDS, as well as HIV testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services to people at risk, and provide education and outreach to the community. The programs are supported by grants, donations and Ryan White Part A Program (HRSA) funds. From initial diagnosis of HIV through all stages of illness, the Center’s medical team of credentialed HIV specialists provide state-of-the-art care. No one is denied care for lack of financial resources.