TEWKSBURY — Front-Line Services joined forces with Pathway to Better Health and Greater Lowell Health Alliance to kick off Pride Month with a luncheon on building resilience in the LGBTQ+ community.
Lowell Five Bank hosted the luncheon at its headquarters in Tewksbury on Thursday for about two dozen local representatives of public health departments, non-profits and mental health programs.
Front-Line Services President and CEO Matthew Page-Shelton and Jess Wisocky of Pathway to Better Health led a multi-faceted discussion of wellness and mental health in the LGBTQ+ community, and what can be done to build resilience and support community members.
The luncheon was aimed at providing attendees a deeper understanding of the physical and mental health challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community, identifying what stigma-free healthcare is, and about the services Pathway to Better Health and Front-Line Service’s BProud program can provide to Greater Lowell residents.
Pathway to Better Health is a Lowell clinic that specializes in caring for marginalized populations with a focus on caring for the Queer and HIV-positive communities.
Front Line Services is a behavioral health company focused on aiding both agencies and individuals with addressing behavioral health by providing consultation, training, community services and direct care.
The non-profit Greater Lowell Health Alliance (GLHA) brings together healthcare providers, business leaders, educators, and community members to improve the overall health and wellness of the Greater Lowell region.
By joining forces, Front-Line Services, Pathway to Better Health and GLHA are working to address serious concerns about access to quality healthcare for local members of the LGBTQ+ community.
A 2025 survey of the Greater Lowell LGBTQ+ community found that:
- More than 60 percent of respondents reported experiencing mental health issues
- 39 percent reported attempting or considering suicide
- 62 percent of respondents reported that they are unable to afford medical care.
A nationwide survey found that 56 percent of sexual minorities reported experiencing discrimination from a healthcare provider.
“We are kicking off Pride Month by joining forces here in Greater Lowell to draw attention to and address serious deficiencies in the availability of quality health care and behavioral healthcare to members of the community,” said Page-Shelton. “We hope that by educating providers, non-profits, and professionals, we can help improve the supports available to those who struggle with identity, mental health, and acceptance.”
Front-Line Services is also a sponsor of Greater Lowell Pride 2026, scheduled for Saturday, June 13 in downtown Lowell. Greater Lowell Pride 2026 will include a series of events including a flag-raising at Lowell City Hall and the Greater Lowell Pride Festival.
