KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — OutFront Kalamazoo launched a new initiative Saturday that looks to provide financial aid to cover gender-affirming health care. 

Titled the “Gender-Affirming Care Fund” for now, advocates say the initiative will cover care like chest procedures, facial gender surgeries and more. 

The program comes as advocates say barriers to these types of procedures and medication are increasing. Before grants can be provided, the nonprofit says leaders are working to generate $10,000 for the fund by the end of the year.

The funds will be matched by donors Dr. Jack Hopkins and Dr. Karen Hopkins. Executive Director Christopher Terkos says the married couple work in providing gender-affirming procedures. 

Terkos also said creating the fund has been on the group’s wish list and hopes that the mini grants will bridge the gap between those in the LGBTQ+ community and the care they may not have been able to afford otherwise. 

“Even though the landscape is scary and we don’t know what the landscape looks like for trans folks, this is always a need, because not everyone has access to health care and we want to get folks the things they need so they can live authentically,” he told News 8. 

Grants are not being distributed yet. Once the establishing funds are collected, a committee will be created to review grant applications.  

The non-profit says seven members will be picked based on professional backgrounds, personal experiences and other factors.