Escape Into ASHwell

We're excited to welcome Sandra Chavez, interim co-executive director of ASHwell, to the conversation! 🎙️ ASHwell is a nonprofit that has been empowering Central Texans since 1988 through sexual health and wellness services that care for the body, mind, and spirit. As demand for services like PrEP, gender-affirming care, and infectious disease treatment continues to grow, ASHwell has continued to expand access and strengthen public health outcomes across the region. From its integrated hep C program to peer advocacy and holistic care services, ASHwell builds creative, community-driven programming that responds to real, unmet needs. Before we escape into ASHwell, Steph and Courtney dive into a rapidly changing reality for nonprofits as government funding shrinks and philanthropic expectations grow. Ways ASHwell makes an Impact: Expanding Access to Essential Care – Providing HIV, hep C, STI testing, PrEP/PEP, and gender-affirming services at low or no cost. Centering Community Support – Offering peer advocacy, case management, and wraparound services like food, rent, and utility assistance. Advancing Health Equity – Breaking down systemic barriers and prioritizing care for communities most impacted by healthcare inequities. How to Get Involved & Earn Some 'Bragging Rights':✨ Donate — Sexual health is for everyone. Your support helps ASHwell continue providing essential care and keeping the community healthy and safe. 👉 Donate To ASHwell ✨ Follow along for volunteer opportunities + community events — ASHwell regularly shares ways to get involved, from helping at events to supporting outreach and spreading the word so their impact reaches further. 👉 ASHwell Instagram 👉 ASHwell Facebook Special Thanks: A huge thank you to Nightlight Insurance Agency for making this podcast possible and your donation to WSP. We also appreciate Todd Thompson for editing & mixing, Ashlynne O'Neal for content management, Graham Thompson for the music, and Cory McKane at Just Push Record Studios.