As the rising cost of living continues to deepen health inequities across Tampa Bay, Metro Inclusive Health has reinforced its mission of inclusive, community-centered care. Through its innovative Copay It Forward™ program, METRO delivered $769,244 worth of free medical care, medications, and social services to uninsured and underinsured patients in 2024. The program is just one example of METRO’s system-wide growth and impact.
“Our mission is more than providing care—it’s about eliminating the barriers that stand in the way of it,” said Priya Rajkumar, CEO of Metro Inclusive Health. “That includes same-day access to sexual health services, transportation assistance, food security, and housing support. We move fast because our patients can’t afford to wait.”
Removing Barriers, Delivering Results
With nine health centers and a regional pharmacy, Metro Inclusive Health has become one of Tampa Bay’s most comprehensive not-for-profit healthcare providers, offering 100+ programs and services across St. Pete, Tampa, Clearwater, Brandon, Seminole Heights, and New Port Richey. In 2024 alone:
“Our mission is more than providing care—it’s about eliminating the barriers that stand in the way of it,” said Priya Rajkumar, CEO of Metro Inclusive Health. “That includes same-day access to sexual health services, transportation assistance, food security, and housing support. We move fast because our patients can’t afford to wait.”
Removing Barriers, Delivering Results
With nine health centers and a regional pharmacy, Metro Inclusive Health has become one of Tampa Bay’s most comprehensive not-for-profit healthcare providers, offering 100+ programs and services across St. Pete, Tampa, Clearwater, Brandon, Seminole Heights, and New Port Richey. In 2024 alone:
- 31,085 lives were touched across all METRO services
- 8,298 HIV tests were completed, with 100% of newly diagnosed patients linked to care
- 91% of METRO patients living with HIV achieved viral suppression—well above state (68%) and national (65%) averages
- 1,778 patients received behavioral health or psychiatric care, with a focus on non-habit-forming treatments
- 135,000+ STI tests were performed, with same-day results now available in Seminole Heights and North St. Pete
- Patients received over 2,988 meals, 1,400 Uber rides, 900+ bus passes, and housing stabilization support
Every Insured Prescription Pays It Forward
“Every time an insured medical patient of Metro Inclusive Health fills a prescription at Metro Inclusive Pharmacy or a partner pharmacy, they’re helping to fund a primary care visit, an STI test, a behavioral health session, a prescription and more for someone who can’t afford it,” said Brian Bailey, Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer.
Launched in 2018, Metro Inclusive Health’s Copay it Forward program has quickly become a cornerstone of METRO’s access model. The organization took that one step further in 2022 with the launch of Metro Inclusive Pharmacy offering free and discreet prescription delivery, reduced out-of-pocket costs for self-pay patients, and expanded copay assistance for patients in need of up to $100.
With Metro Inclusive Pharmacy and over 60 participating partner pharmacies across Tampa Bay, most METRO patients are within reach of a Copay It Forward location—whether they prefer delivery or in-person pickup.
“Every time an insured medical patient of Metro Inclusive Health fills a prescription at Metro Inclusive Pharmacy or a partner pharmacy, they’re helping to fund a primary care visit, an STI test, a behavioral health session, a prescription and more for someone who can’t afford it,” said Brian Bailey, Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer.
Launched in 2018, Metro Inclusive Health’s Copay it Forward program has quickly become a cornerstone of METRO’s access model. The organization took that one step further in 2022 with the launch of Metro Inclusive Pharmacy offering free and discreet prescription delivery, reduced out-of-pocket costs for self-pay patients, and expanded copay assistance for patients in need of up to $100.
With Metro Inclusive Pharmacy and over 60 participating partner pharmacies across Tampa Bay, most METRO patients are within reach of a Copay It Forward location—whether they prefer delivery or in-person pickup.
