Hospital's HIV Center Renamed For 'Trailblazer' LGBTQ+ Activist

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — An iconic LGBTQ+ activist will be honored when Stony Brook Southampton Hospital renames an HIV center in her memory.

The David E. Rogers, M.D. Center, which provides comprehensive HIV medical and mental health care to the communities of eastern Suffolk County, will be renamed The Edith Windsor Center in 2019, the hospital said in a release.

The new designation honors the "extraordinary life and legacy of Edie Windsor, the trailblazer who successfully paved the way for same-sex marriage in the United States," the release said.

In addition, hospital officials said, 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 Steven M. Bernstein, chief development officer and president of the Southampton Hospital Association. “Edie was a beloved activist within the LGBTQ+ community and dedicated her life to advocating for social justice.”

At the Edith Windsor Center, an annual award will be created to celebrate an individual who "best exemplifies Edie’s commitment to fighting oppression," the release said.

The first award will be presented during the 2019 Edie’s Backyard BBQ, a Memorial Day weekend benefit considered by many to signify the official “start” to the summer season on the East End; the award recipient will be selected by a committee of appointed leaders and influencers who are dedicated to eradicating discrimination, the hospital said.

The Rose Walton Care Services will continue 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, or PrEP, services to people at risk, and provide education and outreach to the community, the release said.

The programs are supported by grants, donations and Ryan White Part A Program, or 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," the release said.

Patch photo courtesy Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, by Donna Aceto.