Mental Health Awareness Month in May.

Mental Health Awareness Month was founded in 1949 to educate the public about mental health and advocate for improved wellness services. During May, Radiant Health Services will support this month-long event and raise awareness of our counseling and mental health services in Orange County.

Once again, businesses, organizations and people like you across the U.S. will help shine a light on the resources available to those who need them most. We are pleased to stand among these contributors as we promote well-being and help increase access to vital care.

May Is Mental Health Awareness Month

This year marks the 75th anniversary of Mental Health Awareness Month. Over the years, general awareness of the importance of managing one’s mental health has grown, but there is still much to be done. Throughout May attention will be focused on a range of wellness issues, including the mental health disparities faced by Orange County’s LGBTQ+ youth (that we have reported on previously).

Where to Start With Mental Health and Wellness

The theme for 2024 is “Where to Start.” Chosen by Mental Health America (the event’s founders), this year’s theme reflects the challenges and pressures of today’s world and serves as a call to action for taking care of your well-being. The three pillars of the “Where to Start” concept are learning how to navigate a changing world; acting by building a coping toolbox; and advocating to improve the well-being of yourself, your family and your local community.

Why Mental Health Awareness Is so Important

According to CDC data, more than one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness. At the same time, over one in five young people ages 13–18 have or previously had a seriously debilitating mental illness. The impact of mental health challenges often extends into other areas of life, from physical health to relationships and employment. In addition, all groups within the general population could potentially experience wellness issues, including youth, older adults, minority groups and the LGBTQ+ community.

Improving Accessibility to Mental Health Services

At Radiant Health Centers we are fully committed to supporting the community with a range of mental health services. We have increased our options in recent years; for instance, introducing the LGBTQ+ Youth & Mentorship program to tackle the growing mental health concerns of younger people. We also offer social services for LGBTQ+ health and HIV care, counseling programs, with in-person and virtual sessions using talk therapy. During Mental Health Awareness Month, we’ll be considering how we can further reduce barriers and improve accessibility. Our goal is to continue to deliver timely, stigma-free wellness services.

Access Mental Health Counseling Services in Orange County

Radiant Health Centers provides counseling and healthcare services for the Orange County community. Contact us to access youth programs, virtual counseling sessions and other vital mental healthcare services. Call (949) 809-5700 or request an appointment now.

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LGBTQ Health Awareness Week in Orange County.

The 22nd National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week is scheduled for March 18–22, 2024. As Orange County’s best-known LGBTQ+ medical clinic, Radiant Health Centers is pleased to once again support this much-needed week of events. With increased focus on the various health challenges experienced by so many in the community, this occasion is an opportunity for meaningful discussion and change in LGBTQ+ health care.

What Is National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week?

National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week was created 22 years ago by The National Coalition for LGBTQ Health. Acknowledging a lack of attention concerning the issues affecting LGBTQ+ health care, the event aimed to raise awareness and action. Its purpose was for individuals and organizations to join together and learn about real-world problems and make lasting improvements.

Today, National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week follows the same ethos as it creates both in-person and online events. Topics and issues covered include barriers to reliable providers, problems with workplace healthcare, how to find an LGBTQ-friendly healthcare home and more.

Promoting Vital Vibrant Voices During National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week

Vital Vibrant Voices is the theme for this year’s National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week. Our theme highlights the need for diverse, vibrant voices to address LGBTQ+ healthcare challenges and advocate for change. During events and panels, medical professionals and LGBTQ+ community members will discuss their experiences and identify ways to make significant improvements to health services across the country.

From dealing with discrimination in some medical settings to facing higher rates of mental health issues, problems still exist. For instance, data published in the Journal of Adolescent Health indicates that in one year, 23% of gay, lesbian and bisexual students attempted suicide, compared with 5% of straight high school students. This issue and other health challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community will be addressed during the upcoming week’s events.

Improving Health Outcomes in Orange County

For many years, Radiant Health Centers has been listening to voices within the LGBTQ+ community, and responding with improvements in healthcare. We have made important changes like adding youth programs, making sure all staff members are culturally competent, implementing a telemedicine system and more.

Our primary medical care services include family planning, HIV and STD testing, LGBTQ+ affirming care and hormone replacement therapy. We hope you’ll join us during National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week as we raise awareness of healthcare disparities and work together to improve healthcare standards for our Orange County community.

Primary Medical Care and Counseling in Irvine

Radiant Health Centers is committed to delivering knowledgeable and compassionate health services to the Orange County community. We provide primary care, STD testing, HIV treatment, counseling and youth programs at our Irvine clinic. To reach us, call (949) 809-5700 or request an appointment today.

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Orange County hormone replacement therapy.

Last year was a difficult time for transgender health care, with many U.S. states placing restrictions on gender-affirming care. Treatments like hormone replacement therapy and puberty blockers faced bans or restrictions, limiting access for many transgender minors. But what does the evidence say about gender-affirming care, and what could the repercussions be for transgender individuals?

The Impact of Gender-Affirming Care for Mental Health

Gender-affirming care refers to medical, psychological and other health services that support and affirm an individual’s gender identity when it does not align with the gender they were assigned at birth. It’s common for transgender people to report feeling distress from gender dysphoria that can lead to depression and even suicide.

A study published by the American Economic Association assessed two groups of transgender youths and found similar patterns of suicide attempts in the years before hormone replacement therapy, or HRT. However, after starting HRT, the study concluded that initiating the treatment contributed to a 14.4% reduction in suicide attempts.

These findings correspond to studies into the impact of undergoing gender-affirming hormone therapy on mental health. Researchers found that transgender youth were more likely to report feeling positive emotions and a sense of life satisfaction after using HRT, with a resulting reduction in anxiety and depression.

Accessing Hormone Replacement Therapy From a Trusted Healthcare Provider

Whether for counseling, hormone replacement therapy, or to access youth programs, the ability to find an LGBTQ+-friendly healthcare home in Orange County is critical for the well-being of transgender people. Faced with healthcare disparities experienced by many transgender people, accessing treatment from knowledgeable medical providers has proven difficult for many patients.

However, with the steps that have been made towards obtaining FDA approval for HRT for gender-affirming care, a positive development may be on the horizon. While “off-label” HRT treatments are available, securing FDA approval could make it easier to get treatment in states with restrictions.

Why Accessing Hormone Replacement Therapy Matters for Transgender Youth

Restricting access to HRT and gender-affirming care could have severe consequences for those experiencing gender dysphoria, anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges. With hormone replacement therapy leading to positive mental health outcomes and a reduction in suicide attempts, reducing barriers to affirming healthcare is necessary to prevent disparities and ensure young people can get the quality services they need.

At Radiant Health Centers, our medical clinic provides services for the LGBTQ+ community in Orange County. We are committed to delivering the best quality healthcare, including the essential HRT treatments and counseling services that help patients align with their gender identity with confidence and support.

Hormone Replacement Therapy Services in Orange County

Radiant Health Centers provides hormone replacement therapy for patients in Orange County. If you’d like to discuss HRT, counseling and care programs, or any of our other services, contact our Irvine medical clinic today. Call (949) 809-5700 or request an appointment now.

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Annual Gala in Orange County.

The Radiant Health Centers’ 38th Annual Gala is set to take place on Saturday, April 13th, at the Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach. Committed to improving health equity, this event aims to raise funds to provide comprehensive healthcare access to underserved individuals throughout Orange County. With the excitement of a Broadway theme, this year’s Gala promises an evening filled with fun, dancing and generosity.

A Broadway-Themed Evening at Our Orange County Gala

The theme of this year’s Gala, “Broadway by the Bay,” provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the glamor of Broadway. Guests will experience an evening filled with the magic of iconic tunes and vibrant performances inspired by NYC’s world-renowned theater district.

As the perfect backdrop for a night of celebration, “Broadway by the Bay” promises to deliver a memorable experience for all in attendance. And with the 2023 Annual Gala raising almost $260,000 for critical health services in Orange County, this year with your support we can do even better.

The evening’s entertainment will feature a special performance by Javier Muñoz, our 2023 Radiant Compassion Award honoree, who is best known for his role in “Hamilton.” His exclusive appearance will add additional Broadway flair to the Gala, showcasing both his talent and his commitment to the LGBTQ+ community. Join us (in your best Broadway-themed attire!) for a night to remember.

Announcing the Radiant Compassion Award 2024

At this year’s event, the 2024 Radiant Compassion Award will be presented to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. With the support of the American theater community, Broadway Cares has dedicated itself to supporting those affected by HIV/AIDS and other serious illnesses. Since 1988 they have provided essential services including access to meals, counseling, healthcare, medications as well as financial help, demonstrating a commitment to compassion and care that truly embodies the spirit of the award.

How to Support the 38th Annual Gala

At Radiant Health Centers we significantly impact the lives of underserved individuals in Orange County, including the LGBTQ+ community and those living with HIV. To deliver our range of primary care, counseling services and critical treatments, we rely on the generosity of donors at events like our Annual Gala. Sponsoring the Gala is a fantastic way to support our mission to deliver affirming healthcare to those in the community who need it most.

In 2023 Radiant Health Centers served 4,240 patients. With your help, we can reach even more people struggling to find quality healthcare in Orange County. You may read about our range of Gala sponsorship opportunities here.

Contact Us for Medical Care and Counseling in Orange County

At our Irvine medical clinic, Radiant Health Centers provides comprehensive primary care, counseling services, as well as youth programs. For support with HIV treatments, STD testing, care programs and much more, contact our team today. Call (949) 809-5700 or request an appointment now.

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