The 20th National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week has been scheduled for March 21–25, 2022. At Radiant Health Centers’ Orange County LGBTQ+ medical clinic, our staff will take part in this annual event to raise awareness of the many health challenges still facing the community. From the ongoing HIV epidemic and patient discrimination to mental health and trans health issues, the week will be marked by advocacy, discussion and a joining together of the LGBTQ+ community.
National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week Is Fast Approaching
With so many LGBTQ+ people facing discrimination and health disparities, National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week provides an opportunity to work on a common goal – building a more equitable and effective healthcare approach, one that’s sensitive to the needs of the LGBTQ+ community.
Even today, many individuals face discrimination from their doctor, a medical facility or both. This lack of understanding often translates into reluctance to visit a medical provider, missed appointments and so on. Education and awareness are crucial in combating these issues and ensuring individuals get access to the level of treatment they need and deserve.
Radiant Health Centers Supports National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week
Radiant Health Centers stands as a beacon among the many other Orange County medical providers out there. Our educated and compassionate staff is committed to our LGBTQ+ patients and community. We make each individual welcome to feel empowered to express themselves during mental health counseling or health visits. During this important week, we want to join with other organizations in pushing forward to end the HIV epidemic in Orange County.
Since the creation of National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week – supplemented by other work in the community – there has indeed been some success. Notably, between 2011 and 2020, the number of male HIV cases in Orange County fell by 20%. Yet many challenges remain, shown by the 36.4% rise in HIV cases diagnosed among Black Americans over the same time period.
In the fight against HIV, access to knowledge and effective healthcare delivery are important elements that cannot be underestimated. As Orange County’s leading LGBTQ+ medical clinic, we work tirelessly to improve health outcomes. We continue to deliver HIV, STD and hepatitis C testing, family planning services, birth control, PrEP, PEP and Rapid ART HIV treatments and more.
Live Out Loud for LGBTQ Health
While the challenges for the LGBTQ+ community are clear, the upcoming events are defined by optimism, relevance and timeliness. The week’s theme is Live Out Loud for LGBTQ Health, and it was created to help people speak openly about the need for inclusive, accessible and understanding healthcare. By speaking out about health issues, it will be possible to raise the standards for LGBTQ+ treatment across Orange County.
Access Orange County’s Leading LGBTQ+ Medical Clinic
Radiant Health Centers provides healthcare services to the LGBTQ+ community in Orange County. For help with HIV treatment, family planning, STD testing, counseling and more, call (949) 809-5700 or request an appointment now.
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