Radiant Health Centers’ media coverage through the years, from events to client updates, learn more about us here.

How Routine HIV Testing Protects You and Others

Routine HIV testing in Orange County.

Routine HIV testing is one of the easiest ways you can protect your health and the health of those around you. Many individuals rely on inclusive, LGBTQ+-friendly medical centers in Irvine to make sure they receive the care they require in a safe, compassionate environment. Regular testing empowers you to stay informed about your health and secures your peace of mind.

The Importance of Regular HIV Screenings

Overlooked symptoms, undetected infections, delayed treatment and increased risk of transmission are just some of the very real challenges that are associated with undiagnosed HIV. Around 13% of the estimated 1.2 million Americans living with HIV don’t know they have it. Regular HIV screenings allow you to take the actions that are needed to protect your health and the well-being of those around you. Essentially, proper protection begins with routine testing.

Reduces the Risk of HIV Transmission

Regular HIV testing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of undiagnosed infections. Symptom onset may be delayed, or symptoms may be similar to other illnesses and not attributed to HIV, so early detection is vital for reducing the risk of transmission. Frequent screenings can identify potential exposure so you can take the necessary precautions to protect the safety of others.

Allows for Early Treatment and Improved Health Outcomes

The sooner an HIV infection is detected, the sooner treatment can begin, which can significantly enhance long-term health outcomes. Current HIV therapies can effectively suppress the virus, boost the immune system and allow you to continue a healthy, active lifestyle. If you ever are exposed, regular testing will allow you to access the medical care you need right away, before the virus can cause serious complications. Early intervention is the key to controlling HIV and preserving your overall health.

Improves Public Health

Regular HIV testing doesn’t just benefit individuals, it benefits entire communities. When more people know their status, the spread of the virus is minimized and public health improves. Additionally, encouraging testing combats the stigma associated with HIV, encourages responsible health habits, and provides patients with the resources they need to effectively navigate the illness.

Provides Peace of Mind and Reliable Support

Not knowing your HIV status can be unsettling. Regular screenings ease any uncertainty about your status and can restore peace of mind. It also helps connect you with a reliable health care provider who can offer compassionate guidance and support.

Take Control of Your Health With Routine HIV Testing in Orange County

Protect your health and the health of those around you with routine HIV testing. At Radiant Health Centers, our Irvine medical center provides confidential, inclusive testing services designed to support the health of Orange County’s LGBTQ+ community. Call (949) 809-5700 for assistance or request an appointment today.

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Reasons to Start the New Year With a Health Checkup

New year health checkups in Irvine, CA.

As the new year begins, it’s a great time to schedule a health checkup. At Orange County’s largest LGBTQ+ medical clinic, we encourage everyone to use this fresh start to check in on their physical, mental and emotional well-being. Whether you’ve had a recent checkup or it’s been a few years, a visit can help identify potential health concerns and set you up for a successful year.

Why Many People Skip Health Checkups

Preventive care is a crucial part of maintaining good health. However, as the recent Wellness Matters survey discovered, 9 in 10 Americans have delayed health checkups and screenings beyond the recommended timeframe. From anxiety and mistrust of medical providers to financial barriers and limited access to affirming care, the reasons are varied. But with so many benefits to attending checkups and screenings, there’s no better time to prioritize your health.

Early Detection of Health Concerns

A checkup can identify potential health issues before they become serious. By catching chronic conditions in their earliest stages, patients receive quick access to treatment when it’s most effective. From high blood pressure and diabetes to thyroid problems and high cholesterol, detecting and monitoring conditions can prevent long-term complications.

Access Important Health Screenings

Regular health screenings are crucial, even if you’re not experiencing any symptoms. Depending on your health profile, screenings for chronic diseases, cancer, cardiovascular health and hormone levels can identify problems before they develop into more significant diseases. Additionally, regular HIV and STD/STI testing matters for your health, regardless of any visible symptoms.

Establish Your Baseline Health Metrics

If you haven’t had a checkup in a while, you’re unlikely to have an accurate picture of your current health. Health data such as blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol levels, weight and BMI will identify your starting point, and help you track progress or potential health risks over time.

Address Mental and Emotional Health

An annual checkup can screen for anxiety, depression, stress and other common mental health concerns. With a deep connection between mental and physical health, catching these symptoms is important, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals who often face barriers to care. Identifying these issues during a checkup can be the first step towards accessing ongoing care through counseling and other programs.

Access to Preventive Care

Finally, starting the new year with a health checkup opens doors to important preventive care. Whether you could benefit from nutritional changes, smoking cessation, physical exercise or medication for chronic conditions, our team can connect you with primary medical care services, specialists and counselors who will support your goals.

Visit Us in Irvine for Annual Checkups and Screenings

Radiant Health Centers support patients with health checkups, screenings, primary medical care and other vital services. We offer preventive care and testing services to help you maintain good health and well-being. Contact us at (949) 809-5700 or request an appointment now.

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Why Mental & Behavioral Healthcare Programs Are Vital

Orange County mental healthcare programs.

Mental and behavioral healthcare remains a critical need in Orange County, where demand for LGBTQ+ social services continues to grow. Although mental health has received increased public attention in recent years, the actual prevalence of mental health concerns among adults has remained largely unchanged. At the same time, millions of people across the U.S. continue to face barriers that keep care out of reach. With so many people finding it difficult to access support, mental and behavioral health programs are vital to closing the gap.

Mental and Behavioral Health Needs Remain High

Data from the report, The State of Mental Health in America 2025, shows that mental health concerns among U.S. adults remained steady, with over 60 million people experiencing any mental illness (AMI). AMI refers to any diagnosable mental, behavioral or emotional disorder, ranging from mild to severe. The report also indicates that one in four people with AMI had an unmet need for mental health treatment, with millions unable to access professional care due to a lack of insurance and other factors.

Why Mental Health and Behavioral Health Issues Matter

These statistics illustrate the work that is still required to support LGBTQ+ people and other groups facing stigma or barriers to care. As we recently reported, access to affirming mental healthcare saves lives by reducing depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation. When mental and behavioral health needs go unmet, symptoms intensify, and people may turn to substance use or other risky coping strategies, leading to a struggle to maintain housing, work, relationships and care.

Why LGBTQ+ Inclusive Services Are Vital

LGBTQ+ communities are among the groups most in need of inclusive mental and behavioral care programs. A survey by The Trevor Project found that half of LGBTQ+ young people who sought mental healthcare were unable to access it. With access to quality, affirming care that is nonjudgmental, LGBTQ+ people are more likely to seek help early, stay engaged in support, and thus experience both lower distress and reduced suicide risk.

How Community-Based Programs Are Making a Difference

Across Orange County, access to counseling and mental health services for the LGBTQ+ community and others most in need is making a real difference in people’s lives. Mental health counseling addresses a range of contributing factors, from substance abuse to HIV-related issues.

Meanwhile, case management ensures that patients receive support with benefits, nutrition, medication assistance and other key services. By bringing these services together in one place, Radiant Health Centers’ mental health and behavioral healthcare programs give people a better chance to stay healthy and maintain long-term well-being.

Access Social Services at Orange County’s Top Health Center

Radiant Health Centers provides a range of mental health and behavioral healthcare programs for patients across Orange County. To access social services and counseling programs for the LGBTQ+ community and others who need support, contact our Irvine center today. Call (949) 809-5700 or request an appointment.

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Why Youth and Mentorship Programs Matter for LGBTQ+ Teens

How LGBTQ+ teens benefit from inclusive youth and mentorship programs.

Being surrounded by a supportive community, including peers, leaders and mentors can change the direction of someone’s life. Inclusive youth and mentorship programs can help LGBTQ+ teens stay grounded, providing the affirmation and direction they need for healthy development at a critical stage of life. Let’s discuss why these services are important for Orange County’s youth.

Why Do Youth & Mentorship Programs Matter for LGBTQ+ Teens?

All adolescents experience the challenges associated with the transition from the teenage years to becoming a young adult. It’s an interesting and potentially awkward time of discovery, and for LGBTQ+ youth (especially those with marginalized identities) can face compounded hardships. Below are some of the reasons that mentorship and youth-focused care matter for this population.

Disparities in Available Healthcare & Education

Unfortunately there are still many misconceptions and misunderstandings about identity and human sexuality. This makes it difficult for LGBTQ+ teens and young adults to find healthcare providers who deliver care without trying to change them, or that will accept them as patients in the first place.

Combined with the abstinence-centered sex education presented in some classrooms, this can make finding good education about developing bodies difficult. When comprehensive care in youth development programs is focused on holistic healthcare for medical and behavioral health, it leads to much better outcomes for this vulnerable population.

Access to Life-Saving Resources and Services

Gender-affirming care saves lives. Available comprehensive sex education and STD and STI testing saves lives. Access to mental health resources and housing and social services saves lives too.

According to a recent survey by The Trevor Project, 28% of LGBTQ+ youth experienced homelessness at some point. Of those who did, when compared with their peers in stable housing, the youth were four times as likely to experience depression and anxiety, engage in self-harm, or consider or attempt suicide.

Programs built with accessible social services, medical care and peer activities for LGBTQ+ teens and young adults provide a network that educates and elevates the lives of participants. This is beneficial, life-saving care.

Youth Programs Allow for More Than Basic Survival

Young people need space to breathe and dream about their future, which requires them to know they are safe. Teens and young adults should be thinking about what’s next—for instance, should they attend college or trade school? Ideally they’d be considering multiple possibilities, and what kind of life they envision for their future, rather than trying desperately to secure housing—or their next meal.

Youth and mentorship programs geared toward LGBTQ+ teens allow them to meet with peers and people who care about them, giving them the freedom to live beyond survival mode.

Cohesive LGBTQ+ Youth Care Positively Affects the County

LGBTQ+ youth are not the only beneficiaries of mentorship and care programs. When young people receive supportive healthcare and counseling and can participate in safe social activities, they get the opportunity to develop into well-rounded adults. All young people deserve to feel safe and engage in everyday life activities without worry. They are the future of Orange County and the world. Their development is precious.

Get LGBTQ+ Inclusive Care & Mentorship in Orange County

Radiant Health Centers has been a beacon of hope for affirming healthcare for LGBTQ+ teens, youth and their families in Irvine, Santa Ana and The OC. From our medical and mental health providers to our youth-focused mentorship and social services programs for ages 12–26, we are here to help you live well and excel in your endeavors. To get started with us, request an appointment or call (949) 809-5700.

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Why GivingTuesday Matters for the LGBTQ+ Community

GivingTuesday 2025 in Orange County.

On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, GivingTuesday returns as a global day of generosity. As Orange County’s largest LGBTQ+ medical clinic, this year Radiant Health Centers is focusing on the social determinants of health. These are the non-medical factors that influence health outcomes, including access to housing, nutritious food, reliable transportation and supportive community connections. Join us this GivingTuesday to build a healthier and more equitable community.

GivingTuesday Embraces Radical Generosity

Since its founding in 2012, GivingTuesday has been dedicated to inspiring generosity around the world. Each year, individuals, nonprofits and communities give back through donations, volunteer work and acts of kindness. At Radiant Health Centers, our priority is raising awareness and funds for local programs that promote equity and wellness for the LGBTQ+ community and other underserved groups.

The Social Determinants of Health

How people live, learn, work and connect plays a vital role in health outcomes. These factors are referred to as the social determinants of health (SDOH), and they may have a greater impact on health than individual behaviors or medical care alone. The following are some of the main examples of SDOH.

  • Economic Stability – Steady income allows people to afford rent, medication and nutritious food.
  • Education Access and Quality – Quality education and health literacy help people navigate care and secure better jobs.
  • Health Care Access and Quality – Affordable providers lead to earlier diagnoses and consistent treatment.
  • Neighborhood and Built Environment – Secure housing, transportation and nearby groceries reduce missed appointments and diet-related illness.
  • Social and Community Context – Supportive families and community networks lower stress and improve mental health.

Radiant Health Centers provides a range of care programs to support the Orange County community, delivering affirming medical care and supportive services. However, more needs to be done to reach those most at risk and reduce health disparities for LGBTQ+ people and others.

Best Ways for Donors to Address Health Disparities

GivingTuesday is a powerful moment to make a difference. Whether someone is navigating unsafe housing, experiencing food insecurity, or facing stigma in medical settings, your generosity can be a lifeline.

Here’s how you can create impact.

  • Donate to strengthen direct services
  • Volunteer to support programs that uplift vulnerable neighbors
  • Advocate for equity and inclusive healthcare
  • Share acts of kindness that ripple through the community

This year, Radiant Health Centers is giving donors the chance to support the pillars that address health disparities head-on — our medical clinic, housing assistance, transportation services, case management and food pantry. Every gift helps ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals and people living with chronic health needs receive inclusive care and essential support.

Your generosity doesn’t just help people survive — it helps them thrive.

Orange County’s Top Health and Social Services Provider

For four decades, Radiant Health Centers has been committed to improving health outcomes and advocating for the wellness of Orange County’s LGBTQ+ community. From primary care and HIV treatment to counseling, social services and emergency support, we continue to expand affirming care for every person who walks through our doors.

If you or someone you know needs compassionate, expert care, we’re here for you. Call (949) 809-5700 or request an appointment today.

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Celebrate 40 Years of Inclusive Healthcare on World Aids Day

ebrating 40 years of radically inclusive healthcare and World Aids Day.

Radiant Health Centers is proud to serve Orange County residents at our inclusive LGBTQ+ medical clinic, and we’ve done so for 40 years now. We were founded the same year as the incomparable World AIDS Day, a time set aside to remember, reflect and renew a global commitment to eradicating HIV and AIDS. We invite you to celebrate these milestones and the lives of all affected by HIV/AIDS at our December 1 event, held at Norma Hertzog Community Center and starting at 4:00 p.m. PST.

40 Years Brought Breakthroughs in HIV Testing & Treatments

The last 40 years have brought profound changes in attitudes and advancements in healthcare for the underserved and overlooked community who live with HIV/AIDS. Radiant Health Centers was born from a desire to do something to help people that many providers would neither touch nor treat. At that time, we gave compassionate care to help patients with HIV/AIDS die with dignity.

Now, instead of being a death sentence, research has brought breakthroughs in HIV testing and treatment. Through community support and donations, we offer STI testing that provides results quickly. Patients who test positive for HIV can start same-day rapid antiretroviral therapy (RAPID ART), a treatment that improves clinical outcomes by keeping the viral load undetectable as it stops the virus from multiplying in the body. This level of care saves lives, transforms communities and is something to celebrate!

Celebrate World AIDS Day’s 40th With Radiant Health Centers

To honor those who have passed on, bring awareness to the continued fight to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic and recognize the significant progress made over the last 40 years, we’re celebrating World AIDS Day with an exciting event and fundraiser. And we want Orange County and others to join us, for free!

The community, allies, advocates, healthcare leaders and professionals will all come together to engage, celebrate and acknowledge where we’ve been, then map out the steps we want and need to take next. We’ll host a panel of five experts who will discuss the following topics in-depth.

  • Advances in HIV prevention and treatment.
  • What does the future landscape of care and support services look like?
  • The intersection of HIV with mental health, stigma and care equity.
  • What is next in advocacy and community-driven change?

This event is for everyone, and we invite you to join us. Register to attend, donate to support, or if you’re interested in being a vendor, you can also sign up for our Resource Fair. Space is limited, so please register early to reserve your spot. We continue to work with our community to keep you healthy and have the best outcomes.

Support Inclusive Healthcare & Ending HIV for World AIDS Day

Radiant Health Centers was founded to support the LGBTQ+ community, but with our recent FQHC Look-Alike designation, we now serve everyone — including youth and adult populations in Irvine, Santa Ana and throughout Orange County — with medical, behavioral health and social services. If you need help, request an appointment or call us at (949) 809-5700. Remember, you can also register to attend our World AIDS Day event or donate to support our work.

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How Inclusive Health Centers Help Patients Navigate HIV Care

Irvine LGBTQ+ medical clinic providing HIV care.

Despite decades of progress in prevention and treatment, HIV continues to disproportionately affect our local communities. As Orange County’s largest LGBTQ+ medical clinic, Radiant Health Centers is fighting to close that gap by offering inclusive primary medical, HIV/STI care, behavioral health and social services. By delivering cutting-edge treatment and quality wraparound programs in a stigma-free environment, our services remove barriers so patients can focus on their health.

The Importance of Affirming and Inclusive HIV Care

Affirming care requires providers who are trained in cultural competence, and have a genuine understanding of the identities and lived experiences of LGBTQ+ patients. Research on access to LGBTQ-specific health services found that this approach directly affects whether or not people seek care. According to a ScienceDirect study, 42.5% of participants looked for care specifically because providers understood and respected their identity. Conversely, when providers lack knowledge about LGBTQ+ health issues, patients miss out on crucial information about sexual health education, HIV prevention and PrEP.

Access to Comprehensive HIV Services

At Radiant Health Centers, patients can access consolidated HIV/STI care and support services under one roof. Prevention is at the heart of these services, with HIV testing, PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) protecting individuals and their communities from transmission. For those diagnosed with HIV, immediate access to vital treatments like rapid ART (immediate antiretroviral therapy) can prevent progression and reduce transmission risk. A combination of in-person and telehealth visits ensures that youth and adult patients have access to compassionate care.

Stigma and Barriers Affecting the LGBTQ+ Community

One of the biggest challenges for delivering effective care is the stigma surrounding HIV. This frequently prevents many at-risk individuals from getting tested and accessing early treatment. GLAAD’s 2024 State of HIV Stigma Report found that 85% of people believe there is still a stigma around HIV. While this represents progress from 89% in 2020, it highlights the extensive work still required to provide inclusive care. LGBTQ+ medical clinics play a key role in ending stigma by creating affirming spaces where patients can receive care without fear.

Social and Support Services for People Living With HIV

Comprehensive HIV care combines medication with emotional, practical and educational support. When people living with HIV visit LGBTQ+ medical clinics, they can lean on a support system that includes mental health counseling, peer support, HIV Life Skills Workshops and health education. Nutrition coaching and food pantry services also help patients access a balanced diet that supports good health. While accessible HIV testing and treatment is the foundation of HIV care, these support services ensure that patients feel supported and empowered to achieve better health outcomes.

Visit Orange County’s Trusted Inclusive Health Center, with a Specialty in LGBTQ+ Services

For affirming, stigma-free HIV care in Orange County, visit Radiant Health Centers in Irvine. We provide a range of services including primary care, HIV testing, social services, PEP, PrEP and rapid ART treatments. To reach us, call (949) 809-5700 or request an appointment now.

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Why Regular STD/STI Testing Matters for Your Health

Regular STD testing matters for overall health.

Over the last decade, awareness campaigns have led to more and more people in Orange County and across the country getting regular sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing, also known as sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing. Access to inclusive, LGBTQ+-friendly medical clinics with confidential, judgment-free care drove this increase. And while this is good news to be celebrated, there is still much work to be done, especially in reaching younger people. This is a population that specifically needs to understand why regular STD testing matters for their health.

Why Is Regular STD Testing Important for Your Health?

Taking care of your health is always important, and access to treatment centers that offer education and support in addition to stigma-free care leads to better health outcomes. When it comes to sexually transmitted diseases, young adults aged 15–24 account for almost half of new infections. This makes education about sexual health, including the importance of regular STD testing, a priority. Below are a few reasons why testing continues to matter for personal and public health.

Not All STDs Have Visible Symptoms

You may wonder when to see a healthcare provider for STD/STI symptoms, but understand that not all infections have symptoms. When you are unaware of their presence, these asymptomatic illnesses can affect you in the long term. Infections can cause damage to organs, affect fertility, and even cognition. No matter how you feel physically, regular STD testing ensures you know what’s happening, and can begin treatment ASAP when it’s needed.

Testing Reduces Transmission Risks

Sex should be consensual, enjoyable and healthy for the parties involved. Regular STD testing ensures that you know what’s going on in your body. If you are diagnosed with an STD, and since there are multiple types of infections, there are specific interventions to keep you healthy. Regular testing also means you can enjoy sex with peace of mind, not having to worry that you may pass an infection to your partner(s).

Early Detection Leads to Better Health

STDs occur and spread most often through asymptomatic individuals in unprotected sex acts or due to prophylactic failure. And unfortunately, because of stigma, there’s an abundance of misinformation about how they are contracted and who spreads them. STDs can affect anyone who is sexually active, no matter their age or whether they are in a committed relationship or not. Regular STD testing ensures early detection, and the sooner you know, the better for your health. There’s no need to feel shame when incredible treatment options are readily available.

Availability of Treatment

Access to treatment is important to the health of individuals and communities. Over the past 20 years, significant breakthroughs have occurred in HIV treatment and other STD testing and treatment that have led to better outcomes for many people. This includes the ability to have at-home testing. But still, not everyone knows about these advancements. Campaigns like “GYT: Get Yourself Tested” (aimed at adolescents and young adults) let people know that regular STD testing is part of a satisfying and healthy sex life.

Get Confidential, Affordable STD Testing in Orange County

Radiant Health Centers provides STD testing to residents of Irvine, Santa Ana and greater Orange County. Our affordable medical clinic, behavioral health services and social services are available to everyone looking to live a healthy life. Upon request, we can schedule testing booths at community events and at local businesses. Call us today at (949) 809-5700, or request an appointment for confidential care.

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Support Youth Mental Health During Bullying Prevention Month

Supporting youth mental health in Bullying Prevention Month.

Did you know that bullying affects an estimated 19.2% American children and teens? And the bullying is highly concentrated among girls and LGBTQ+ youth, making LGBTQ+-friendly counseling extremely important for the overall health and development of local youth. Each year, October is set aside as Bullying Prevention Month to bring attention to this issue and highlight the best ways to support young people and their mental health.

Ways to Support Youth Mental Health in the Face of Bullying

It’s probably no surprise that LGBTQ+ youth are more likely to face bullying than their counterparts. When school doesn’t feel safe and there is concern that family or friends may not accept them, it can take a severe toll on the mental health of young people. But there are affirming and beneficial behavioral health services to help teens and young adults find hope in a world where they have been bullied or felt cast aside. The following are key ways to support youth mental health this month and beyond.

Judgement-Free Communication

Parents, caretakers and trusted figures have the ability to greatly help young people. When a young person is bullied, especially for who they are, it can be difficult for them to talk about. Having regular, open communication with the young people in your life can help them open up about their concerns, from school work to talking about sex. It’s about active listening, being accepting, and offering understanding much more than it is about having the “right answers.” When young people are comfortable, they’re more likely to speak openly about their concerns, which leads to improvements in many areas, including mental health outcomes.

Teach Them Coping Skills Offline

Social media and the 24-hour news and entertainment cycle have compounded the typical developmental stress of the teen years. Since 2020, the rates of anxiety and depression among teens have increased, and sometimes it seems like there’s no way to change the situation.

However, there are many small, everyday things that can be done to help. Teaching teens to limit both their texting and time spent online is a big one! Encouraging them to explore their interests in the real world and working with them on their hobbies can show acceptance and build bonds. Going for walks, swimming, reading, and meditation are all excellent ways to provide balance and improve mental health.

Utilize Available Resources

Parents, caretakers, educators and anyone involved in the lives of children, teens and young adults can find helpful resources on trusted outlets. From StopBullying.gov to campaigns from StompOutBullying.org, you can find out how to talk to young people about self-kindness, acceptance, empathy, and the beauty of differences. These sites also share specific ways to prevent bullying, and show how kids can stand up for themselves and others.

In addition, such resources provide information on how to find mental health services for those affected by bullying, along with other issues in life. Plus, there are organizations committed to being safe spaces specifically for LGBTQ+ youth. Radiant Health Centers has an LGBTQ+ Youth Mentorship Program to provide access to holistic medical and mental health care. Access to programs like this provide support and can also save young people’s lives.

Get Compassionate Youth Mental Care in Orange County

Radiant Health Centers is part of the Orange County community. We provide medical care, behavioral care, and social services in a kind, inclusive, judgement-free atmosphere. Our programs cater to youth and adults from every community. Request your appointment or call us at (949) 809-5700 to get help.

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How AIDS Walks Make a Difference in the Fight Against AIDS

Orange County AIDS Walk.

On October 18, 2025, the Orange County community will gather for the final AIDS Walk 2025 at Orange Coast College. Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the event unites individuals, families, and teams in a vital show of solidarity. For those attending, it is an important opportunity to honor those lost to AIDS, support people living with HIV today, and raise funds for prevention and care services. If you haven’t yet registered, please do so today for this historic event.

Orange County United at AIDS Walk 2025

Since 1985, AIDS Walk has brought people together in a spirit of community, compassion, courage, and progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS. What began as a response to the AIDS crisis has grown into a community-driven tradition that raises vital funds for healthcare, prevention, housing, and support services.

Gia Gunn television personality advocate.

This year’s 40th anniversary will feature a sunset walk, live entertainment, a resource fair, food trucks, and even a cutest dog contest. Adding to the celebration, Gia Gunn, television personality and advocate who appeared on Season 6 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies and bring her passion for trans visibility and LGBTQ+ rights to the stage.

Why Raising Awareness of HIV/AIDS Matters

By participating, donating or sponsoring a team, individuals and organizations can stand together and raise money to find a cure. The most recent CDC data highlights the importance of affirming and accessible care, with an estimated 158,249 Americans (around 13% of all people living with HIV) remaining undiagnosed. Knowing your HIV status is one of the most powerful ways to contribute to ending the epidemic, as it connects patients to treatment and reduces transmission.

Funding Cuts Could Reverse HIV Prevention Gains

This year’s walk also takes place against a backdrop of uncertainty over HIV funding in the United States and around the world. Proposed budget cancellations and foreign aid pauses have raised serious concerns for long-standing programs that millions rely on.

New research from Emory University demonstrates the risks, warning that even modest reductions in HIV prevention funding could have severe consequences. A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that a 3.3% annual decrease in PrEP coverage over the next decade would lead to more than 8,600 preventable HIV infections and $3.6 billion in additional healthcare costs.

With the possibility of losing hard-won progress, contributing to efforts like AIDS Walk has never been more important, and Radiant Health Centers remains committed to reaching more people across the Orange County community with HIV prevention, education and outreach. Together, by supporting HIV awareness and healthcare, we can take crucial steps towards ending the epidemic.

Contact Us for HIV Treatment in Orange County

Radiant Health Centers provides HIV testing and treatment services at our Irvine medical clinic. For support with PEP, PrEP, Rapid ART and other healthcare solutions, speak with our team today. Call (949) 809-5700 or request an appointment now.

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