National HIV Testing Day Promotes Knowing Your Status

National HIV Testing Day in Irvine

June 27, 2023 is the return of National HIV Testing Day, and Radiant Health Centers is proud to offer our support once again. As a long-established HIV testing and treatment provider in Orange County, we have been working to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic since our earliest days. And with so much still to do, this day is a much-needed opportunity to come together as a community and support knowing your status, while spreading awareness of the issues.

What Is National HIV Testing Day?

National HIV Testing Day has been observed annually around the country since 1995. This day is meant to encourage HIV testing and raise awareness of the benefits of knowing your status, including realizing the advantages of an early diagnosis.

The theme for 2023 is “Take the Test & Take the Next Step,” focusing on how understanding your status can help you make smart decisions about your health. Regardless of the results, testing ensures that people are best prepared to prevent getting or transmitting HIV. In short, know your status to help end the HIV epidemic.

What National HIV Testing Day Can Achieve

This year’s theme emphasizes the treatments associated with testing. These treatments are available for those most at risk and those with a positive test result. For example, if you are in an at-risk category, PrEP dramatically decreases the chances of contracting HIV. Similarly, PEP is an antiretroviral medication for people who believe they may have recently been exposed.

In addition, Rapid ART is a combination of drugs that keeps the viral load low. For people living with HIV, Rapid ART reduces the chance of transmitting the virus and helps patients live long, healthy lives.

Staying Healthy With STD Testing Services

While this day focuses on HIV awareness, it’s also important to note just how essential a reliable STD testing service is for the Orange County community. STD testing is not included with HIV testing but it can be requested – and the results can help limit transmission of other infections. At Radiant Health Centers, our HIV and STD testing services are free for those without insurance, while those with insurance will be asked to share their coverage details.

What You Can Do to Support National HIV Testing Day

In tackling HIV, the National HIV/AIDS Strategy highlights the need for fast diagnoses. And with that goal in mind, you’ll want to spread this message across your social media channels. Educating people on their options – including their various testing options and rapid ART services – can help reduce the spread of HIV and deliver real benefits to the Orange County community.

Access HIV Testing Services in Orange County

Radiant Health Centers provides HIV testing and treatment at our LGBTQ+ Irvine medical clinic. To access HIV and STD testing services, contact our Orange County center today. Call (949) 809-5700 or request an appointment now.

Image Credit – Chinnapong/Shutterstock.com

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New Study Shows the Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy in Orange County

As the largest LGBTQ+ healthcare provider in Irvine, Radiant Health Centers offers our Orange County clients hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – one among several vital gender-affirming care services we deliver. In light of an important study published earlier this year, we are emphasizing the importance of these services.

There are also ongoing studies demonstrating HRT’s significant physical, social and mental health benefits for transgender and nonbinary individuals. In response, we remain committed to bringing leading health services to the community.

New Study Highlights the Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy

Published by the New England Journal of Medicine, this study involved 315 participants ages 12 to 20. Nearly 70% of participants who commenced the study with severe depression reported improvements to the minimal or moderate range after two years of hormone therapy. This stark decrease in depressive symptoms highlights the crucial role of HRT in supporting the mental health of transgender and nonbinary youth.

Discrepancies between physical appearance and inner sense of gender identity can often contribute to mental health issues. HRT (also called gender-affirming hormones) is essential in aligning a transgender person’s physical characteristics with their gender identity.

These findings demonstrated that HRT contributed to better appearance congruence, increased life satisfaction – and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. As shown by many previous studies and affirmation from the transgender community, access to HRT is vital for improving health and well-being.

Why Access to Hormone Replacement Therapy Matters

Transgender and nonbinary individuals have historically encountered numerous obstacles in accessing gender-affirming healthcare – particularly to services tailored to their unique needs. These barriers have perpetuated disparities and adversely affected individual health outcomes, and the findings of this study clearly reinforce the necessity of accessible, affirming LGBTQ+-friendly healthcare services.

At Radiant Health Centers we have taken a proactive approach in addressing these challenges, ensuring that HRT and gender-affirming care are readily accessible to the LGBTQ+ community in Orange County. We understand the complexities surrounding the journey of self-identification and transition. Consequently, our services are structured around understanding, compassion and expertise.

Easy Access to Counseling and Mental Health Services

Our services also extend beyond HRT to encompass a broad range of healthcare needs. We offer mental health and counseling services provided by knowledgeable medical staff who understand the specific needs of the LGBTQ+ community. In addition, our youth programs are a valuable way to meet like-minded peers for support and allyship.

Overall, these services are designed to support mental wellbeing, to help manage anxiety and depression, as well as to provide strategies to cope with the challenges associated with identity and transition. As always, our Orange County LGBTQ+ medical clinic welcomes anyone looking for support and guidance in accessing our range of services.

Access Hormone Replacement Therapy in Orange County

Radiant Health Centers provides comprehensive medical care and mental health services from our clinic in Irvine. If you would like to discuss hormone replacement therapy, counseling, or any of our services, contact our team today. Call (949) 809-5700 or request an appointment now.

Image Credit – tilialucida/Shutterstock.com

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Annual Gala Returns in Support of LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equity

Guests Enjoying Gala Dinner

June 3rd, 2023 marked the return of the Radiant Health Centers’ Annual Gala at The Turnip Rose Promenade in Costa Mesa. Once again, guests gathered to celebrate the work of advocates and raise funds for LGBTQ+ healthcare in Orange County. And in a night filled with joy and recognition, the community outdid itself with its generous giving.

Promoting LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equity at the Radiant Health Centers’ Gala

Orange County LGBTQ+ Annual Gala

This year’s Gala was an evening to remember as guests joined together for fun, dancing and celebration. Designed around the theme of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, attendees united for good food and live entertainment against a fairytale backdrop. Gala co-chairs Adrienne Matros and Zach Abrams did magnificent work, delivering a memorable event that will be long remembered.

As always, the broader theme of the Gala took precedence as guests and advocates gave generously in support of medical care for the LGBTQ+ community. Finding an LGBTQ+-friendly healthcare home in Orange County is still a challenge for many. However, with continued backing, Radiant Health Centers can expand its services and reach even more people.

Announcing the Radiant Compassion Award Winner

Radiant Compassion Award Winner

The highlight of the night came with the presentation of the Radiant Compassion Award 2023. This year’s deserving recipient is Broadway performer Javier Muñoz. As an actor and singer, Javier is widely celebrated for his role as Alexander Hamilton in the musical, “Hamilton.”

The Radiant Compassion Award recognizes his dedicated work fighting for LGBTQ+ rights and HIV/AIDS advocacy. Working with organizations like GMHC and (RED), Javier epitomizes the qualities of compassion and equality.

Raising Funds for Orange County’s LGBTQ+ Community

Support LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equity

At the heart of the Gala is our ongoing commitment to fundraising. And just as with previous events, guests and advocates gave generously in support of LGBTQ+ healthcare services in Orange County. Almost $260,000 was raised in total, assisted by a $25,000 matching gift. It is thanks to donors and event sponsors that Radiant Health Centers can continue to serve patients with caring, knowledgeable and inclusive medical services.

How Gala Donations Help the Orange County LGBTQ+ Community

Funds raised will go towards delivering healthcare equity for the local LGBTQ+ community. In practice, this means supporting HIV testing and treatment, improving our LGBTQ+ social services, expanding our youth programs and more. Thanks to the help and support of our many donors, sponsors and supporters, we can both tackle healthcare disparities and improve the health of our Orange County patients.

Radiant's Annual Gala 2023

Irvine’s Trusted LGBTQ+ Medical Care and Counseling Services

At Radiant Health Centers, we provide a wide range of medical care, counseling, social services and youth programs for the LGBTQ+ community in Orange County. From STD testing and HIV treatments to our youth drop-in center and telehealth services, we are always here to help. Call (949) 809-5700 or request an appointment today.

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