HOPE Nonprofit In Tulsa Launches Campaign To Raise Funds For New Facility

Health Outreach Prevention Education, Inc. (HOPE) is launching a new capital campaign to raise $2.2 million to acquire and renovate a new facility. HOPE provides sex education, testing, and counseling for the Tulsa and surrounding communities.

News On 6 was given first access to new renderings showing the future plans for the building, which will be designed by Dewberry Architects.

Image Provided By: Dewberry Architects

Located at 4720 E 51st Street in Tulsa, HOPE plans to begin renovations of the existing building soon, with the goal of having the facility open by summer of 2024.

"There is a great need in Oklahoma right now if you look at the statistics," said Taryn Norman, executive director for HOPE. "53% of all new sexually transmitted infections are among 15 to 24 year olds. We have a rural burden of HIV, according to the CDC, and we're in the top five of the most STIs and second in the nation for Hepatitis C related deaths."

The HOPE Starts Here capital campaign is launching during HOPE's 25th anniversary in Tulsa.

Image Provided By: Dewberry Architects

Its new facility will be 8,600 square feet and double the amount of exam rooms. It also wants to use funding from their capital campaign for a new outreach vehicle and an on-site pharmacy.

"The goal is for someone to show up, receive a test and treatment all in one visit," said Norman. "We recognize for some people it's hard because they're busy or transportation may be a barrier and it's not as easy to come back for another visit for services."

HOPE provides sexually-transmitted infection, HIV, and Hepatitis C testing and treatment to Oklahoma through a staff of 12 at the clinic in Tulsa and a mobile outreach van. HOPE also provides harm reduction supplies through the state's first harm-reduction vending machine.

Image Provided By: Dewberry Architects

"With our new facility, we will be able to offer 24/7 access to our public health vending machine," said Norman. "We launched it a little over a year ago and have already had 2,000 participants and have given out about 18,000 kits so far this year. This new space will allow the public to come by at 2 a.m. if they need it and get supplies they need to be safe. The ultimate goal is to reduce community transmission of infections."

If you are interested in donating to the Hope Starts Here capital campaign, visit their website.