On February 24, 2026, the City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 41859, allocating $30,000 from the Council Contingency Fund to the Oasis Youth Center to expand access to on-demand, staff-guided HIV and STI self-testing for LGBTQ+ youth ages 14 and older in Pierce County. District 2 Council Member Sarah Rumbaugh introduced the resolution with co-sponsors At-Large Council Member Kristina Walker and At-Large Council Member Olgy Diaz.
“This effort is about making sure young people don’t have to navigate their health alone,” said Council Member Rumbaugh. “We know there is a real need for STI and HIV testing in this community, and access only matters if it feels safe. The best way to reach those who need testing is to provide it in a place where they feel seen, respected, and supported. For many LGBTQIA2S+ youth, Oasis Youth Center is more than a building ,it’s a trusted community. Providing testing there empowers young people to take charge of their health with confidence and support.”
Oasis Youth Center will provide on-demand, staff-guided HIV and STI self-testing within its existing drop-in and support service environment. Youth will be able to access oral HIV tests, rapid fingerstick HIV tests, and STI self-collection kits (including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis) in a safe, trusted, and affirming setting.
“Oasis Youth Center is doing such important work in our community for our young people and I’m proud to support their efforts to provide HIV and STI self-testing,” said Council Member Walker. “We need to meet our youth where they are and ensure that they have access to lifesaving support.”
“Young people deserve clear, affirming information so they can make strong, healthy, and safe relationship choices,” said Council Member Diaz. “I know how powerful accurate information can be from my first-hand experience as a teen peer health educator. When I was in high school, I taught bilingual comprehensive sexual health education to my peers in ESL classrooms. I went on to teach the same science-based and trusted curriculum as one of my college jobs and I have seen how young people are best equipped to protect their health when they have access to knowledge and services. Expanding access to self-testing at Oasis Youth Center is critical so youth can get the care and answers they need in a place they already trust.”
Oasis Youth Center is the only organization responding to the unique needs of queer youth in Pierce County. Additional information is available at oasisyouthcenter.org.