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Fight the Stigma During Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental health awareness in Orange County

May 2022 is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Radiant Health Centers is throwing our support behind this important movement. As a provider of LGBTQ+ counseling and mental health services in Orange County, we understand the challenges faced by the community. By working together to raise awareness and support those most in need, we can improve mental health outcomes for the future.

Mental Health Awareness Month in Orange County

Through our relationships with the Orange County LGBTQ+ community, the Radiant Health Centers team is acutely aware of the disproportionate impact of mental health issues. Studies repeatedly point to an increased risk of mental stress, and it can often lead to ongoing concerns such as substance abuse.

One survey found that LGBTQ+ adults were more than twice as likely to report mental health issues than heterosexual individuals in the same age group. Another study discovered that transgender people reported higher cases of depressive symptoms and suicide attempts. With such a disparity, access to mental health counseling for the LGBTQ+ community takes on an increasingly important role.

Why Is Mental Health Such an Issue in the LGBTQ+ Community?

During Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s important to look closely at the reasons for raised levels of mental health conditions affecting LGBTQ+ people. Some of these reasons include the following.

  • Discrimination at work or in healthcare – Experiences of discrimination can lead to unemployment and a reluctance to seek medical care.
  • Rejection from friends and family – As a response to a person’s sexual identity, relationships with friends and family can sometimes deteriorate.
  • Traumatic experiences – Many within the community face harassment, bullying, verbal abuse and physical intimidation.
  • Alcohol and drug abuse – Substance abuse for LGBTQ+ adults is higher than for the wider population, with mental health issues a contributing factor.
  • Lack of stable accommodation – Homelessness caused by discrimination, substance abuse or limited employment opportunities can reduce the opportunities to obtain a stable living environment.

Responding to the Mental Health Challenge

Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to shine a light on this issue across social media, blogs and other platforms. By openly discussing the mental health issues faced by many within the LGBTQ+ community, it is possible to reduce the stigma and encourage anyone in need to use the various social services available at clinics such as Radiant Health Centers.

Mental health is not a problem that exists in isolation. From a reluctance to seek STD or HIV testing due to fears of discrimination, to an increased possibility of turning to drug use, mental health is part of a wider problem. However, it’s only by spreading awareness that so many people can access the counseling that will lead to a brighter and more fulfilling life.

Mental Health Services for the Orange County LGBTQ+ Community

Radiant Health Centers provides mental health services and counseling from our Irvine medical clinic. Patients can access in-person or telehealth counseling services with our experienced and understanding team. For assistance, call (949) 809-5700 or request an appointment now.

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Get Tested & Know Your Status This Hepatitis Testing Day

Hepatitis Testing Day in Orange County

May 19, 2022 is Hepatitis Testing Day, and Irvine’s leading LGBTQ+ medical clinic, Radiant Health Centers, is joining the effort to raise awareness. After many years of providing hepatitis testing services to the Orange County community, Radiant Health Centers has seen the importance of early diagnosis of viral hepatitis. But with millions of Americans unknowingly living with hepatitis, getting tested is a key factor in ending this silent epidemic.

Raising Awareness for Hepatitis Testing Day

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, hepatitis C leads to more deaths across the country than any other reportable infectious disease. Hepatitis B is also a major cause of liver disease and liver cancer. However, safe and effective treatments are readily available – treatments that can potentially prevent long-term sickness or cure the disease. The key to ensuring healthy outcomes is through testing with providers such as Radiant Health Centers.

Is Hepatitis an STD?

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that’s usually caused by a viral infection. As hepatitis testing is often included with STD tests, it’s frequently assumed to be an STD. But in reality, hepatitis A, B and C are transmitted in many different ways that do not require sexual contact.

A bout of hepatitis A typically lasts for a couple of months, and is frequently caused by food and drink contaminated with fecal matter.

Hepatitis B is usually spread through blood and other bodily fluids. While this can include sexual contact, it is also commonly spread from a mother to child at birth, or by sharing needles.

Hepatitis C is caused when a person comes into contact with contaminated blood. Acquiring hepatitis c also often involves needle sharing or other methods of blood exposure.

Conversely, the various types of STDs are almost always caused by sexual contact, with viruses, bacteria or parasites passing from one individual to another.

Take Action on Hepatitis Testing Day

With an estimated 2.4 million Americans living with hepatitis C, raising awareness is a crucial way to save lives and protect the health of so many people. Hepatitis C is most dangerous when it goes undiagnosed. Hepatitis is a treatable disease – and in some cases it is also curable. With medical clinics like Radiant Health Centers offering accessible testing services, those most at risk can benefit from awareness and understanding their options.

This Hepatitis Testing Day, why not spread the message that knowing the risks and getting tested for viral hepatitis is the easiest way to end this national epidemic. By visiting our LGBTQ+ Orange County medical clinic for testing, you can play your part in the campaign to end viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.

Access HIV, STD and Hepatitis C Testing in Orange County

Radiant Health Centers provides HIV, STD and hepatitis C testing and treatment for the LGBTQ+ community in Orange County. If you need help with family planning, testing, treatment, mental health issues and more, contact our Irvine medical clinic at (949) 809-5700 or request an appointment today.

Image Credit – PENpics Studio/Shutterstock.com

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LGBTQ+ Community Unites to Celebrate Lesbian Visibility Week

Lesbian Visibility Week in Orange County

April 26th to May 2nd, 2022 will mark the return of Lesbian Visibility Week. At Radiant Health Centers’ LGBTQ+ medical clinic in Orange County, the team will once again show solidarity with LGBTQ+ women and non-binary people across the world. Dating back to 1990, Lesbian Visibility Week has become an important fixture in the calendar. We celebrate this week through raising awareness of lesbian identities to performing vital work in tackling lesbian issues.

Celebrating Lesbian Visibility Week

Lesbian Visibility Week is an annual event created to shine a light on the lesbian community across the world. The week will see cities raising the Lesbian Pride flag in recognition of this vibrant community, one that is sometimes overlooked. With a series of events designed around the theme of visibility and raising awareness, it’s a chance to work on issues concerning inclusion, healthcare, discrimination and much more.

Healthcare in the Lesbian Community

With a range of challenges impacting LGBTQ+ women and non-binary people, healthcare will be an important topic during Lesbian Visibility Week. The Diva Survey found that 48% of lesbians reported having a mental health condition, with this number rising to 71% for non-binary people. Sadly, three out of four survey respondents also reported their mental health had suffered due to the pandemic and lockdowns.

And while access to better quality, compassionate healthcare is available through clinics such as Radiant Health Centers, challenges for the lesbian community are still out there. Studies have shown that many women face discrimination, stigmatization and barriers in accessing healthcare services. Workers within the medical field perform important roles that can improve the level of care received by LGBTQ+ women, and Lesbian Visibility Week is an excellent opportunity to address these concerns.

Improving Healthcare for the LGBTQ+ Community

With healthcare challenges affecting many lesbian women, it is important to work with providers who show care and consideration for their unique challenges. LGTBQ+ medical clinics like Radiant Health Centers offer valuable services like family planning, sexual health care, birth control, breast exams and cervical exams.

Our staff specializes in delivering these services for the LGBTQ+ community, and wants to turn the promise of healthcare equity and accessibility into a reality. Through a range of reproductive health services, lesbian women can take control of their health and make the right decisions for themselves and their families. These areas, along with many others that will be discussed, represent the importance of supporting Lesbian Visibility Week when it begins later this month.

Medical Care and Counseling at Orange County’s Leading LGBTQ+ Medical Clinic

Radiant Health Centers provides healthcare services to the LGBTQ+ community in Orange County. For family planning, HIV treatment, STD testing and more, contact our Irvine medical clinic at (949) 809-5700 or request an appointment today.

Image Credit – Svet foto/Shutterstock.com

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LGBTQ+ Medical Clinic Expands Telehealth Services

Irvine LGBTQ+ telehealth medical care

Radiant Health Centers has been at the forefront of medical care in Irvine for many decades. The commitment to disease treatment and preventive care recently expanded with the introduction of LGBTQ+ telehealth services in Orange County. For the many patients who previously felt excluded from medical care, virtual calls are providing convenient access to dedicated medical providers.

Radiant Health Centers Adds Telehealth Services Program

The rise in telehealth is largely driven by the desire to give patients increased access to the highest level of medical care. For medical health providers, it also allows for effective management of ongoing care, treatment and medication.

At Radiant Health Centers, telehealth is used in conjunction with in-person visits for the treatment of HIV, STDs and hepatitis C. Patients can also access family planning, primary care services and hormone replacement therapy. With many of these services requiring extended management, telehealth provides an efficient companion or replacement for face-to-face visits at our Irvine clinic.

Telehealth Soars in Popularity

With the COVID-19 pandemic changing the face of medical care almost overnight, patients have become increasingly familiar with virtual communication with a provider. A recent survey published by the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that 90.9% of participants felt that a virtual visit made it easy to get the care they needed. In addition, 81.9% of people also believed the telehealth appointment was as good as an in-person visit.

In another survey conducted by GoodRx, 40% of patients indicated that due to the availability of telehealth they do interact more with their providers. With so many in the LGBTQ+ community facing barriers to physical and mental healthcare, easy access to knowledgeable and understanding providers can mean that an individual is more likely to seek out consistent medical care.

Why Many Patients Are Choosing Telehealth

The importance of telehealth for the LGBTQ+ community should not be underestimated. Following negative experiences with their local primary care provider, many patients become reluctant to visit a doctor. The telehealth services from Radiant Health Centers make it possible for Orange County residents to reach a compassionate medical team, free from concerns about prejudice or a lack of education regarding their needs.

Using telehealth services can provide patients with greater insights on their health and their needs. The service also delivers cost and convenience benefits, plus reduces the need for travel. Patients can address any medical concerns they may have during their ongoing treatment and arrange medication refills. By giving patients access to medical providers – along with their medical records using the patient portal – an individual is empowered to strive for improved well-being and to take control of their health.

Dedicated Telehealth Services for the Orange County LGBTQ+ Community

Radiant Health Centers provides secure and reliable telehealth services alongside our in-person visits. Our Orange County medical health providers are available for consultation by calling (949) 809-5700.

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20th National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week Is on the Horizon

Irvine LGBTQ+ National Health Awarness Week

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.

Image Credit – Niyazz/Shutterstock.com

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OC Unites for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in Irvine

At Radiant Health Centers, we are recognizing National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) throughout the month, highlighting the importance of HIV testing, prevention and treatment. Black Americans are disproportionately impacted by HIV for a wide range of reasons, but through awareness and community action, progress will continue to be made.

How HIV Impacts Black Americans

The CDC estimated that in 2019, Black people accounted for 40% of people with HIV, yet only made up 13% of the total U.S. population. There are many reasons for such a disparity, including systemic inequalities, racism, economic disadvantages, housing factors and poor access to HIV testing and treatment. Therefore, if the country is going to end the HIV epidemic once and for all, the health disparities and inequities faced by Black Americans must be tackled.

Celebrating the Progress Made on NBHAAD

As a grassroots effort to provide education, reduce stigma and increase access to HIV testing and treatment, NBHAAD continues to forge ahead. And while there are significant barriers to overcome, the rapid growth in HIV infections has steadied and there is room for optimism. For example, among African American gay and bisexual men between the ages of 13 and 24, infection levels fell.

A persistent challenge highlighted by the NBHAAD is the link between social factors and health outcomes. Black people from communities facing discrimination, poor housing conditions, lower income, racism and other social inequalities are more likely to become infected with HIV – along with being affected by other health issues.

Steps like reducing STD transmission, dealing with the stigma of HIV, delivering effective treatment to vulnerable people (and so on) will be required to bridge the gap. These health disparities have been made even more clear during the COVID-19 pandemic, where communities of color were disproportionately impacted. At Radiant Health Centers we are committed to providing Black Americans with the highest level of healthcare and mental health support, while delivering much-needed HIV treatment throughout Orange County.

Delivering Rapid ART and PrEP HIV Treatments

NBHAAD is also a time to celebrate the major developments in HIV treatment. Through testing, treatment and proactive measures, it is possible for people living with HIV to maintain good health and avoid transmitting the virus to others. Unfortunately, there is still work to be done to ensure Black Americans get access to the available treatments.

Of the people who could benefit from PrEP treatment, only 8.2% of Black Americans were prescribed PrEp in 2019. With access to treatments like PrEP and Rapid ART, it will be possible to reduce HIV infection levels and improve health outcomes in Black communities.

Trusted HIV Testing and Treatment Services in Orange County

At Radiant Health Centers, we provide reliable HIV testing and rapid treatment for the LGBTQ+ community in Orange County. If you have any questions about our services or want to arrange HIV or STD testing, contact us today. Call our Irvine medical clinic at (949) 809-5700 or request an appointment now.

Image Credit – kim7/shutterstock.com

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Mental Health Counseling for the LGBTQ+ Community

Orange County LGBTQ+ mental health counseling

For more than 30 years, Radiant Health Centers has been offering mental health counseling throughout Orange County. People living with HIV, along with many others in our community, face significant mental, physical, social and economic challenges. Access to professional counseling services has proven to be an important tool for dealing with mental and emotional distress, improving health and well-being throughout the area.

Mental Health Counseling for the LGBTQ+ Community

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenging time for everyone and, like so many others, Radiant Health Centers has had to adapt to changing circumstances. Much of the work performed by professional counselors during the past two years has taken place virtually, including individual and group mental health support groups. We hope to get back to in-person sessions soon.

During 60-minutes sessions over Zoom, by phone or in-person, people living with HIV and others in the LGBTQ+ community discuss pressing issues, such as depression, anxiety, troubled relationships, stress, substance abuse and more. Over the last fiscal year, this has led to 264 individuals getting the mental health counseling they need via individual or group sessions.

Dedicated LGBTQ+ Counseling Addressing Community Needs

Many people within the Orange County LGBTQ+ community struggle to get medical care tailored to their individual needs. We have previously reported on transgender barriers to physical and mental healthcare, but the challenges extend to countless others.

Through the counseling services at Radiant Health Centers, individuals can access sensitive and responsive support that is compassionate and understanding of their circumstances. Sessions are culturally sensitive and available in both English and Spanish. Details of upcoming counseling sessions can be found here.

What Can Clients Expect From LGBTQ+ Counseling?

Radiant Health Centers’ counseling sessions deliver individual and group therapy, couples and family therapy, and age-appropriate therapy for children and the elderly. Some session goals include a mental health assessment, the development of an individualized treatment and goal planning.

The varied sessions address subjects like coping strategies for substance use and addiction, support for anyone recently diagnosed with HIV and mental health support for nonbinary and trans youth and families. Counseling sessions are a safe and supportive space for anyone in the LGBTQ+ community, regardless of their HIV status, to tackle life challenges through individual therapy or group calls.

Dedicated LGBTQ+ Mental Health Support for Orange County Clients

At Radiant Health Centers, our team has been committed to supporting the LGBTQ+ community in overcoming health challenges for many years. As anyone who has experience with mental health issues will know, a crucial part of this support is through counseling that deals with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship issues and the daily stress of coping with health problems. With that in mind, we encourage anyone with mental health concerns to contact our LGBTQ+ medical clinic and access professional support.

Access Mental Health Counseling in Orange County

Radiant Health Centers is committed to providing mental health counseling services to the LGBTQ+ community. If you require phone, video or in-person counseling, contact us for help today. Call our Irvine center at (949) 809-5700 or request an appointment now.

Image Credit – fizkes/Shutterstock.com

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New Date: 36th Annual Gala Returns for 1970s-Themed Event

RADIANT HEALTH CENTERS 36TH ANNUAL GALA

It’s official! The 36th Annual  Radiant Health Centers’ Gala will take place Friday, May 13, 2022. After last year’s virtual event, the gala returns for an in-person celebration at Grand Gimeno in Orange. Entering its 36th year, the annual event will continue its tradition of raising money to support LGBTQ+ health equity and HIV care in Orange County.

Club Radiant Theme at the Radiant Health Centers’ Annual Gala

The gala will have a distinctly ‘70s mood, featuring a “Club Radiant” theme. Attendees are encouraged to wear ‘70s attire to celebrate the golden age of disco. Expect an evening of action-packed entertainment featuring a cocktail hour, dinner, live entertainment and awards – all taking place under the disco ball.

Building on the Success of the 35th Annual Gala

Last year’s gala, a virtual event, was a big success for Radiant Health Centers, raising $182,000 for HIV testing and LGBTQ+ specialized medical care although it took place in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 Back to the Future virtual event still managed to bring the same joyous positivity guests have come to expect from Radiant Health Centers’ gala. This year, event organizers aim to build on that success by raising even more funds to benefit Orange County’s LGBTQ+ community.

How to Secure Your Place at the Radiant Health Centers’ Annual Gala

A pre-sale ticket launch allows guests to book tables before tickets go on sale to the general public. Purchasing early means Radiant Health Centers can underwrite the event in advance and all subsequent funds raised on the night of the gala go directly to supporting its healthcare programs. All attendees will be required to have proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the event.

Honoring Two Distinguished Guests

The 2022 recipients of the Radiant Compassion Award have been announced as Alison Arngrim and Tony Morrison. The gala will be a chance to honor the work of these two figures for their advocacy for HIV/AIDS issues.

Alison, an author and actress widely recognized for her role as Nellie Oleson on the iconic television series “Little House on the Prairie,” is an activist for LGBTQ+ and AIDS organizations. Tony, an award-winning producer for “Good Morning America,” who talked about his experiences living with HIV this year, has helped bring further awareness to HIV/AIDS.

Supporting People Living With HIV in Orange County

Radiant Health Centers is the largest nonprofit HIV service provider in the county and provides more than 5,000 individuals and families with services including STI, HIV and HepC testing, HIV care and counseling. If you want to purchase a table and support the work of the leading Orange County LGBTQ+ medical clinic, contact us for further details.

Serving the LGBTQ+ Community in Orange County

Radiant Health Centers is here to serve the LGBTQ+ community in Orange County, with HIV care, STI testing, counseling, social services and much more. If you would like more information about our services or the upcoming Annual Gala, call (949) 809-5700 or contact us online.

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2021 Food Insecurity Campaign Exceeds Expectations

Nutrition services food insecurity fundraiser in Irvine, CA

To close out 2021, Radiant Health Centers asked the community in Orange County to donate generously to fight against food insecurity. The response was overwhelming – and a final tally shows donations have far exceeded expectations. With donations going to the Nutrition Services program at Radiant Health Centers, the most vulnerable people in the community will benefit enormously from this generous giving.

Fundraising to Fight Food Insecurity in Orange County

Thanks to a generous donor who matched the first $50,000 we exceeded the fundraising goal for our Nutrition Services program, raising more than $126k. Everyone at Radiant Health Centers would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the many people across Orange County and beyond who donated so generously. The support of each and every donor allows Radiant Health Centers to provide food to the most vulnerable people experiencing ongoing food insecurity.

While many are aware of the health issues facing people living with HIV, challenges like food insecurity – plus lack of access to social services and counseling – are less well-documented. With a shared vision of the end of the HIV epidemic and healthcare equity, Radiant Health Centers aims to tackle these challenges together, as a community.

Nutrition Services Are a Vital Part of Our Mission

People living with HIV can often struggle to maintain a healthy weight, potentially leading to further health concerns. The Nutrition Services program at Radiant Health Centers helps anyone who qualifies by providing a balanced diet, including vitamins, dietary supplements and high-quality meals. At Radiant Health Centers, our Registered Dietitian helps people understand the types of meals and ingredients that will contribute to their good health.

In addition, thanks to these fundraising efforts, some of the most vulnerable people in Orange County will now have access to medically tailored meals that provide the nutrition they need. Of course, meals cost – and it will be possible to reach more people with crucial nutrition because the community has helped us exceed this fundraising goal.

Donate to Our Food Pantry and Help the Orange County LGBTQ+ Community

Every donation to Radiant Health Centers is greatly appreciated – and goes directly into helping the people who need it most. This includes medical treatment, mental health support and counseling, healthy meals and medication. If you would like to support us as we serve the needs of local clients, you can donate to Radiant Health Centers here.

Radiant Health Centers provides support for the LGBTQ+ community and people living with HIV in Orange County. Our range of support and treatment services includes HIV testing and treatment, STI testing, social services and counseling. For more information on our services, call (949) 809-5700 or contact us now.

Image Credit – aerogondo2/Shutterstock.com

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Postponed: 36th Annual Gala 1970s-Themed Event

Update As of January 6, 2022: Radiant Health Centers is closely monitoring the rising concerns related to the coronavirus and we want to assure you that we are taking precautions to protect the health and well-being of our clients, staff, and community.

One precautionary measure is to postpone our annual gala, scheduled for Jan 29, 2022, at The Grand Gimeno to a later date to be announced. Our staff will be in touch with those who have made a commitment to our gala to discuss our next steps.

We realize this may cause an inconvenience for some and we apologize. We look forward to announcing our rescheduled date and the opportunity for us to get together to celebrate our mutual dedication to the health of our community.

We thank you in advance for your patience as we navigate this fluid situation.

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