Hope & Help to break ground on new Orange Blossom Trail site

Hope & Help will mark a major expansion with an October 6 groundbreaking for a new location on South Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando. The project is meant to widen access to HIV and STI prevention, testing, treatment and case management across Central Florida.

Why it matters: - The new Orange Blossom Trail location is intended to expand access to care in Central Florida. - Hope & Help says the site will help reduce barriers and bring services closer to the people and families it serves. - The expansion comes as the nonprofit works to extend its healthcare equity mission across the region.

What happened: - Hope and Help Center of Central Florida will hold a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. - The event will take place at 7750 S. Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando. - Hope & Help leadership, including CEO Thresa Giles and Chief Operating Officer Lallchan Ryan Seunarine, will attend. - Community partners, supporters, elected officials and invited guests are also expected.

The details: - Hope & Help has served Central Florida for more than 30 years. - The organization says it has served thousands of people across seven Central Florida counties. - Hope & Help provides HIV/AIDS resources, advocacy and healthcare services. - The nonprofit offers HIV and STI prevention, testing, treatment and case management. - The organization also provides free rapid HIV, syphilis and hepatitis C testing at its primary location and at community events. - Its medical clinic offers a full panel of STI testing and treatment options, and a fee may apply for some services. - The new site is located in a key Central Florida corridor. - The organization says the location will support convenient access to critical services and support resources.

Between the lines: - The groundbreaking reflects a shift from a volunteer effort started by friends helping someone with AIDS to a broader healthcare provider. - Giles said the project is an investment in the community’s future and a commitment to stigma-free care. - Seunarine said the expansion will build on nearly four decades of adapting to community needs. - The timing suggests Hope & Help is leaning on community partnerships to scale its model.

What's next: - The October 6 event will give attendees an early look at plans for the new location. - Hope & Help is expected to continue building on its outreach and clinical services as the project moves forward. - More information about the organization and the event is available through Otter PR Publicist Anna Kate Womack.