EAST PROVIDENCE, RI – The City of East Providence, Robert Rock Senior Center, was named an LGBTQ+ Safe Zone by the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island.
“Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island is proud to certify the Robert E. Rock Senior Center as the first Senior Center in Rhode to be designated as a Safe Zone, recognizing its commitment to creating a welcoming, affirming, and safe environment for older LGBTQ+ individuals to receive the care they deserve,” a spokesperson for Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island said.
The designation certifies providers and community-based organizations identifying themselves as supporters of the LGBTQ+ community.
“In East Providence, we value you for who you are, and it doesn’t matter what your ethnicity, sexuality, or religious beliefs are,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “East Providence is a very diverse community of people from all backgrounds and walks of life and we want every member of our city to be treated with dignity, respect and equality.”
To receive recognition from the Safe Zone Certification Program, organizations must reflect policies, procedures, and physical space related to equity and inclusion for LGBTQ+ patients.
“We are proud to get the BCBSRI Safe Zone designation,” Laura Jones, Senior Services Director said. “We want our LGBTQ+ Older Adults in East Providence to know the Robert E. Rock Senior Center is a safe place for them to come and participate in all the great activities, programs and resources we have to offer.”
