Archive for year: 2022

Thursday December 1st marked World AIDS Day, as people worldwide joined together to spread awareness of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. With our daily work focused on HIV testing services, medical treatment and care and counseling programs in Orange County, this cause is significant for everyone at Radiant Health Centers. We also observed the occasion with our own event, joining together to remember the people who lost their lives to the disease.

Radiant Health Centers’ World AIDS Day 2022 Event

The Radiant Health Centers’ World AIDS Day event took place at The 5th Rooftop in Anaheim, Ca. Guests were treated to cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and fireworks on a night that will live long in the memory of our participants. But above all else, the gathering was distinguished by the remembrance of the impact of HIV/AIDS on individuals and families in Orange County and across the world.

The commemoration of those who have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS was symbolized by our Remembrance Tree. Guests were given the opportunity to write the name of a loved one they would like to remember on a tag. The tags were then hung on a red crane on the Remembrance Tree. This striking symbol of remembrance will sit in the Radiant Health Centers offices throughout the year.

The Importance of Remembering Loved Ones

As people across the world united in support of World AIDS Day, the opportunity to memorialize loved ones was a key theme. The Remembrance Tree provided a chance to show grief, find healing and inspire others in the fight to end the AIDS epidemic. We encourage others to find a way to commemorate a loved one in a similarly meaningful way.

We also heard stories from guests who lost friends, family members and significant others. People like Fernando Martinez, who was faced with a lack of adequate services and compassion after his diagnosis, found a voice within the Orange County community, and he strives to help others through his story and wisdom.

As Fernando shared in his speech at the event:

COVID taught me how the Latin community can be left out and dismissed when it comes to services. I decided to keep the community connected with phone calls, visits when possible and accessing information for those that were isolated… My goal is to live fearlessly, to stay grounded – and to help grow the community that we have built and see others use it like I have. My dream is to live my life open and free and show others how to live their authentic lives.

To anyone living with HIV in Orange County, make Radiant Health Centers your healthcare home. We would be honored to share our love, compassion and support for you.

Building on the Progress of World AIDS Day

As the end of the year moves closer, we naturally reflect on events from the past. But it’s also important to consider the progress made in the fight against AIDS-related diseases. At Radiant Health Centers, we continue to improve our services, delivering stigma-free, private consultations, HIV Life Skills Workshops – and reliable treatments for many of the most vulnerable individuals in the Orange County community.

Contact Us for LGBTQ+ Medical Care and Social Services in Orange County

Radiant Health Centers is the leading LGBTQ+ healthcare provider in Irvine. For help with STD testing, HIV treatment, counseling and care programs, contact us today. Call (949) 809-5700 for general inquiries.

On December 1, 2022, Radiant Health Centers will join millions of people across the world for World AIDS Day. As Orange County’s leading provider of HIV prevention, education and outreach services, the annual event is close to our hearts. Once again, we welcome the chance to offer our support to people living with HIV, and pay tribute to those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses.

What Is World AIDS Day?

World AIDS Day is held each year on the first day of December. This global event is a chance to spread awareness of the continued fight against HIV/AIDS, show solidarity with the people living with HIV – and commemorate the lives lost to this disease. With a history dating back to 1988, the day encourages people from all parts of the world to unite around a common theme.

The World AIDS Day 2022 Theme Is Equalize

Each World AIDS Day is characterized by a specific theme that drives the events and conversations of the day. The theme chosen for 2022 is “Equalize.” This slogan highlights the inequalities standing in the way of progress in the fight against AIDS. With significant barriers to testing and treatment remaining, there is still much to be done to ensure that communities will have access to vital HIV/AIDS services.

Steps You Can Take on World AIDS Day 2022

You can do many things to support World AIDS Day this year.

• Get tested to know your status and help end the HIV epidemic.
• Wear a red ribbon to show solidarity with those living with HIV.
• Raise funds for organizations fighting to end HIV/AIDS.
• Spread awareness of AIDS-related issues across social media.

How Radiant Health Centers Is Supporting World AIDS Day

One clear goal of the Equalize theme is to increase the availability and quality of HIV treatment, testing and prevention services. At Radiant Health Centers, we remain committed to delivering the best and most accessible HIV services in Orange County. We offer free HIV testing at our Irvine clinic for those who are uninsured or underinsured. Plus, we ensure fast access to antiretroviral treatment after a positive diagnosis.

With education playing such a crucial role in prevention, our medical team also runs regular workshops for people living with HIV in Orange County. Our HIV Life Skills Workshops tackle important topics such as Trauma Informed Care and Medi-Cal/Medicare (in both English and Spanish). By raising awareness about the importance of HIV prevention and the need to know your status, combined with treatment availability, we can all play a part this World AIDS Day and throughout the year.

Contact Us for HIV Testing and Treatment in Orange County

Radiant Health Centers is a trusted LGBTQ+ medical clinic based in Irvine, Orange County. Our medical clinic offers HIV testing, Rapid ART treatment, primary medical care, family planning and other vital services. For general inquiries, call (949) 809-5700.

Radiant Health Centers strives to deliver safe, compassionate and inclusive medical care to the Orange County LGBTQ+ community. Each year, we highlight our continued push to offer dependable healthcare by releasing our annual reports. The latest 2021–2022 report gives a clear insight into our progress as an organization and shares some of the hard work contributed by those who continue to give selflessly to the community.

Welcoming Our New Medical Director

One of the most exciting developments this year was the hiring of our new Medical Director, Dr. Duy Nguyen. As a physician with a passion for LGBTQ+ medical care, Dr. Nguyen will be a valuable asset in our continued treatment efforts for mental health issues, PrEP and hepatitis C services. Dr. Nguyen specializes in hormone replacement therapy, and his expertise will enable us to deliver the very best transgender care.

Launching the Youth and Mentorship Program

The launch of the Youth and Mentorship Program is another of our most important developments. This program assists people ages 13–26 as they move into adulthood – and face many under-appreciated challenges. We have previously discussed the fact that Orange County LGBTQ+ youth face mental health disparities. With this new program, participants can access mental health counseling, sexual health advice, mentorship and other guidance that will benefit their ongoing development.

Serving the LGBTQ+ Community of Orange County

Also highlighted in the report is the sizable impact of the work performed at Radiant Health Centers. In total we served 1,260 patients through the medical clinic, and 2,980 individuals accessed support services. In addition, 6,649 people were reached as part of our education and outreach work. With these numbers rising from the previous year, our Radiant Health Centers team, our supporters, donors and the wider community have risen to the challenge of delivering first-class care to the most vulnerable patients.

Spreading Awareness With LGBTQ+ Events

As always, the Orange County LGBTQ+ community joined together to raise awareness and celebrate the work of people fighting to end the HIV epidemic. Two notable events in the calendar were AIDS Walk Orange County and World AIDS Day Reception.

Supported by Our Generous Sponsors

Of course, the important work carried out at our LGBTQ+ medical clinic, our innovative youth programs – and our many celebratory events – would not be possible without the support of our donors and funders. This year’s list of supporters is extensive, and the annual report shines a light on the organizations and individuals contributing to bettering the lives of LGBTQ+ people in Orange County.

Read the Latest Annual Report From Radiant Health Centers

For a comprehensive look at the statistics and updates from Radiant Health Centers, download the annual report here. We continue to provide LGBTQ+ people in Orange County with the best in primary care, testing services and HIV treatments at our medical center. For general inquiries call (949) 809-5700 or request an appointment now.

On Saturday, October 22, 2022, Radiant Health Centers joined more than 300 attendees for the 36th annual AIDS Walk Orange County. As an LGBTQ+ medical clinic and HIV testing provider in Irvine, we have seen directly the impact of AIDS on the Orange County community. This year’s event was a much-needed opportunity to get together in support of people living with HIV/AIDS, and reflect on those who lost their lives to the virus.

AIDS Walk Orange County – A Day of Fun, Entertainment and Reflection

Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley was the location for what was billed as a “fun walk,” with people taking part individually, in teams – and in memory of loved ones. Participants were treated to live entertainment by MenAlive, a Fun Zone with games for children and adults, an AIDS quilt memorial and the Makers Market, with crafts, artists and resource vendors.

The incredible entertainment enjoyed by all was made possible thanks to support from our AIDS Walk OC sponsors – ADP, Gilead, Biktarvy, Descovy, Avita, Hyundai, Kaiser Permanente, Pacific Life, Room & Board, Shopoff Realty Investments and Moca Foundation.

Raising Money for LGBTQ+ Health and Social Services

As ever, the generosity of the community was on display. Together we raised over $117,000 – funds that will prove vital in providing world-class health and social services for the LGBTQ+ community. As part of our collective goal of ending the HIV epidemic and improving health outcomes, the money raised will help thousands across Orange County.

Introducing the Golden Hearts Award

Another highlight of the day was the introduction of the new Golden Hearts Award. The result of a collaboration between Radiant Health Centers and the AIDS Walk OC Committee, the award acknowledges a community member with a longstanding commitment to the thousands of people and their families impacted by HIV in Orange County.

The inaugural winners of the Golden Hearts Award were Deborah Reed and her son Joseph Lavers. Together they have supported the annual event since 1992, raising over $150,000. The family has lost many loved ones to the virus, including Deborah’s brother, Robert Reed, Jr. Throughout the years, their support has proved invaluable to many people living with HIV/AIDS, and the award recognizes their continued efforts.

Building on the Success of AIDS Walk Orange County

Thanks to the work of so many, AIDS Walk OC will help providers deliver LGBTQ+ primary medical care services, HIV treatment and more. And after this year’s success, we hope to see you next time in support of the values of unity, family, love and equality for all.

Orange County’s Leading Provider of HIV Testing and Treatment

Radiant Health Centers provides safe and confidential HIV treatment and testing at our Irvine medical clinic. For these and many other services, including STD testing, counseling and telehealth, contact us today. For general inquiries, call (949) 809-5700 or request an appointment now.

For close to four decades, Irvine-based Radiant Health Centers has been delivering considerate and comprehensive healthcare services. As the area’s most prominent HIV service provider, our Orange County LGBTQ+ medical clinic remains committed to the ongoing fight to end the AIDS epidemic. In addition, over the years we have expanded to deliver a broad range of services, offering a healthcare home to those who face barriers to accessing primary care.

Find Your Healthcare Home With Radiant Health Centers

Finding a medical provider who understands the needs of LGBTQ+ patients is not always easy. A report from the Center for American Progress identified frequent cases of healthcare discrimination that led to LGBTQ+ people avoiding seeking medical care.

The survey found that 8% of respondents had been refused treatment due to their actual or perceived sexual orientation. Further, 9% of people also reported facing harsh or abusive language from a doctor or medical provider during treatment. We have previously reported on transgender barriers to physical and mental healthcare.

Inclusive Medical Services for the LGBTQ+ Community

At Radiant Health Centers, our goal is to provide access to the services our Orange County patients require. We are the first point of contact for patients experiencing common illnesses, while also helping to manage existing conditions and prevent poor health in the future. And with avoidance of routine health checks leading to increased rates of heart disease, diabetes and depression, easy access to these primary care services is crucial.

Beyond our primary services, we are also a leading provider of HIV and STD testing and treatment, hormone replacement therapy and family planning. Patients receive compassionate and stigma-free care that is delivered by knowledgeable physicians and counselors. And with frequent updates to our services, including the introduction of telehealth and youth programs, we are committed to offering holistic medical care tailored to the LGBTQ+ community.

Welcoming Our New Medical Director

The most notable addition to our clinic for the coming year is the hiring of our new Medical Director, Dr. Duy Duc Nguyen. Dr. Nguyen comes to us from Vista Community Clinic, a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center (FQHC) in La Habra, where he spent the last three years as a family physician caring for patients of all ages. His specialty care included LGBTQ+ mental health, transgender care and hormone therapy, hepatitis C treatment, PreP and harm reduction therapy.

Radiant Health Centers is thrilled to welcome Dr. Nguyen, whose skills and knowledge will help lead us to FQHC status as we continue to provide the best care for Orange County’s LGBTQ+ community. We are happy to welcome Dr. Nguyen to our team of dedicated providers.

Medical Care Accessibility Is Key

An analysis of LGBTQ+ health accessibility published by the National Library of Medicine found exclusion and marginalization were prominent. Many LGBTQ+ people report experiencing difficulties in communicating with health professionals. Radiant Health Centers has long been committed to removing these barriers, emphasizing healthcare accessibility for patients across Orange County.

The introduction of LGBTQ+ telehealth services means individuals can remotely access group counseling, consultations with doctors and medication refills. Similarly, at-home appointments reduces travel and cost constraints experienced by people most at risk. These benefits, along with the many other innovations at our medical clinic, make Radiant Health Centers the natural healthcare home for so many in the community.

Primary Medical Care Services for Orange County’s LGBTQ+ Community

Radiant Health Centers provides primary medical care, HIV and STD testing services, family planning and counseling for the LGBTQ+ community in Orange County. We are committed to improving the health outcomes of our patients through accessible healthcare services. To contact us, call (949) 809-5700 or request an appointment today.