OC Pride Month Returns With a Busy Calendar of Events

Irvine Pride Month 2023

It’s time – join Radiant Health Centers this June in celebrating Pride Month 2023. As a long-established Orange County LGBTQ+ medical clinic, we aim to use this important month to draw attention to the physical and mental health difficulties prevalent within the community. Pride Month will once again provide further opportunities to increase awareness of health and social challenges, address inequalities – and raise funds to improve health outcomes.

Celebrate Pride Month 2023 in Orange County

The roots of Pride Month trace back to the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City – an event that triggered a transformative movement for LGBTQ+ rights. Today, Pride Month serves as a celebration of the progress made by the LGBTQ+ community, as well as a call to action for the work that remains to be done.

At the same time, numerous events will take place locally and across the country. From street parties and festivals to online discussions and educational lectures, Pride Month is a unique opportunity to support LGBTQ+ health equity in Orange County. At Radiant Health Centers we have many great Pride Month 2023 events, including happy hour networking, LGBTQA+ Makers Market – and of course the OC Pride Parade! See our complete Pride Month 2023 events here.

Some of the Main Goals of Pride Month

While Pride Month encourages a diversity of aims, goals and opinions, there are some consistent themes across most events.

  • Provide community support – Pride Month promotes resources and services that support the physical, mental and social health of LGBTQ+ individuals.
  • Advocate for LGBTQ+ health – Pride Month highlights the specific health needs and disparities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, encouraging better healthcare access and continued research.
  • Celebrate diversity – Pride Month is a vibrant celebration of the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community and society in general.

Raise Awareness of Health Programs During Pride Month

Healthcare equity is a struggle for the LGBTQ+ community, and the mental and physical toll means people don’t receive the quality care they deserve. With this in mind, Radiant Health Centers is intensifying its efforts to provide inclusive and comprehensive healthcare services for the LGBTQ+ community.

Our clinic in Irvine offers a host of medical and mental health services, and during Pride Month, you can help us raise awareness of our services. Our patients now have access to LGBTQ+ counseling, youth programs, HIV and STD testing, hormone replacement therapy, family planning and primary care services. And with many more initiatives to come, we remain committed to improving health equity for the community.

LGBTQ+ Medical Care and Counseling in Orange County

Radiant Health Centers works with the LGBTQ+ community in Orange County, delivering compassionate medical care, testing services and counseling. If you need access to our care program, youth services or HIV treatment, contact our Irvine clinic today. Call (949) 809-5700 or request an appointment now.

Image Credit – Chinnapong/Shutterstock.com

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May Is Mental Health Awareness Month in Orange County

Mental Health Awareness Month in Irvine

Throughout May, Radiant Health Centers joins individuals and organizations nationwide to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month. As the leading provider of LGBTQ+ counseling and mental health services in Orange County, we have witnessed directly the impact these issues have on people in Orange County. For over 70 years, this time of year has been dedicated to promoting mental health education, awareness and advocacy, and we are proud to play our part once again.

Radiant Health Centers Recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month dates back to 1949, and aims to educate the wider public on mental health issues like depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and other concerns. This year’s theme is called Look Around, Look Within. It recognizes the importance of stable housing, healthy home lives – and strong communities – for positive mental health.

Advocates are encouraged to raise awareness through social media, local events and workshops. This month is also a good time to consider using an online mental health screening to identify any symptoms of a potential mental health disorder or condition.

Mental Health and the LGBTQ+ Community

As we have previously reported, Orange County LGBTQ+ youth face mental health disparities. Sadly, younger people in the community are disproportionately affected by various mental health disorders. In fact, according to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, LGBTQ+ teens are six times more likely to experience symptoms of depression than heterosexual teens.

At Radiant Health Centers, we believe it’s more important than ever to shine a light on these challenges and work towards a future where mental health care is accessible, inclusive and stigma-free for all.

How Radiant Health Centers Is Combating Mental Health Issues

While Radiant Health Centers is widely recognized for its commitment to ending the AIDS epidemic through accessible testing and treatment, counseling and mental health services are equally important to our mission. Improving health and social outcomes is not possible without positive emotional health, and we consistently look for ways to help the community in this area.

Recently, we launched our Youth Drop-In Center in Orange County. Aimed at young LGBTQ+ people ages 12–26, the space is available for mentoring, affirming resources, emotional support and socializing.

With a lack of judgment-free, welcoming areas for young people, the center provides a much-needed space where visitors can be themselves among their peers. Alongside our LGBTQ+ youth and mentorship program, here the younger generation has access to the tools and support needed to elevate their mental health as they progress into adulthood.

Trusted Mental Health and Counseling Services in Orange County

If you or someone you know is in need of mental health support, please contact Radiant Health Centers. Our team is here to provide compassionate, stigma-free care to all members of the LGBTQ+ community. For more information, call our Irvine center at (949) 809-5700 or request an appointment now.

Image Credit – DraganaGordic/Shutterstock.com

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