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

LGBTQ+ Activist and Journalist To Be Honored at Annual Gala

Radiant Health Centers Club Radiant logo

The 36th Annual Radiant Health Centers’ Gala in support of LGBTQ+ health equity and HIV care in Orange County is fast approaching. With a date set for January 29, 2022, the event will once again honor the recipients of the Radiant Compassion Award. This year will see two recipients of the award, Alison Arngrim and Tony Morrison, recognizing their inspirational and courageous work in the LGBTQ+ community.

Giving Recognition to Activism and Advocacy in the LGTBQ+ Community

As the Radiant Compassion Award enters its second year, the gala will provide an opportunity to thank and honor Alison for her work, activism and advocacy in spotlighting the LGBTQ+ community and Tony for using his story to inspire change as a journalist and combat HIV stigma. Both individuals have different backgrounds and journeys, but their contributions have stood out to the Orange County community and the wider world.

Alison Arngrim, HIV/AIDS Advocate

While many will know Alison for her many acting roles and as a New York Times best-selling author, her history of advocacy dates back many decades. The death of her “Little House On The Prairie” co-star Steve Tracy, from complications related to HIV/AIDS, inspired her to become an AIDS Project Los Angeles volunteer. Alison continued her service and advocacy by working on hotlines, volunteering in food banks, providing education and fundraising support for people living with HIV/AIDS.

In her current role as President, National Spokesperson and Founding Board Member of The National Association to Protect Children, Alison advocates for children in the fight against child abuse and the goal of improving child protection laws.

Tony Morrison, Living With HIV

Also being honored at the 36th Annual Radiant Health Centers’ Gala is two-time Emmy Award winning news producer Tony Morrison. Tony has worked extensively in the entertainment industry for the Walt Disney Company and as a producer for “Good Morning America.” In August, Tony detailed his experience living with HIV in secret for the last eight years in an essay for GoodMorningAmerica.com.

Tony’s story gained global attention and, through the power of his writing, helped many people gain a better understanding of the experience of living with HIV. The moving and poignant essay led to Tony being named Plus Magazine’s Person of the Year for demonstrating, through his personal journey, that HIV doesn’t have to be a barrier to success or a fulfilling life.

Looking Back to the First Radiant Compassion Award

As honorees at the upcoming gala, Alison Arngrim and Tony Morrison will join the inaugural recipients, Gideon and Jeanne Bernstein. Following the tragic murder of their son, Blaze Bernstein, the parents from Orange County started the Blaze It Forward campaign to encourage acts of kindness. As a result of their good work, the Orange County Pride parade in 2019 was renamed the Blaze It Forward OC Pride LGBT Parade.

Help and Support for the LGBTQ+ Community in Orange County

Radiant Health Centers has been providing support to people living with HIV for more than three decades. We also deliver healthcare and social services to the LGBTQ+ community in Orange County. For more information on our care and support, call (949) 809-5700 or contact us online.

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Radiant Health Centers Is Sharing the Love With Subaru

Subaru Share the Love Event in Irvine.

Radiant Health Centers has been announced as one of the charitable partners in the 14th annual Subaru Share the Love® Event. As the leading LGBTQ+ medical clinic in Irvine, Radiant Health Centers will join Meals on Wheels America and Subaru of America, Inc. to provide nutritious meals for those most in need in Orange County.

Radiant Health Centers Participating in the 2021 Subaru Share the Love Event

Meals on Wheels America is one of four charitable partners chosen to be part of the event taking place between November 18, 2021 and January 3, 2022. As a member of Meals on Wheels America, Radiant Health Centers will join the Share the Love Event to raise awareness and increase donations.

A Share of Donations Benefits the LGBTQ+ Community

Over the course of the event, customers who purchase or lease a new Subaru vehicle can nominate a participating charity. Subaru of America will then donate $250 to the chosen charity in order to provide meals and other services in the local community. Donations made to Meals on Wheels America will be dispersed among their designated charities across each state. As a partner, Radiant Health Centers will receive a share of donations for vital meal deliveries to vulnerable people who may be isolated, struggling with medical conditions and facing food insecurity.

What Is the Subaru Share the Love Event?

For the past 14 years, the Subaru Share the Love Event has distributed more than $200 million to charities across the United States. This total is anticipated to increase to $225 million in the coming months, as this fundraising effort continues to grow each year. As a charitable partner, Meals on Wheels America has been able to deliver 2.5 million meals thanks to the donations made by Subaru customers. Along with much-needed nourishment, the Meals on Wheels’ volunteer visits provide companionship for vulnerable people who often are isolated.

How You Can Help Support Those in Need Through Meals on Wheels

Donations made to Meals on Wheels America will help Radiant Health Centers’ ongoing efforts to provide important health and social services to people living with HIV who frequently struggle to receive basic and necessary nutritional support. Through the delivery of balanced and nutritious meals, a fundamental requirement for good health is fulfilled.

To support the 2021 Subaru Share the Love Event, you can raise awareness among individuals shopping for new vehicles. If you are considering leasing or buying a Subaru vehicle, we hope you’ll select Meals on Wheels America as your chosen charity to receive a $250 donation benefiting various social service entities, including Radiant Health Centers.

Help and Treatment for the LGBTQ+ Community in Orange County

Radiant Health Centers provides HIV care and testing, social services, STI testing, counseling and a range of other services including housing and a food pantry for Orange County’s LGBTQ+ community. If you would like to know more about how you can help, call (949) 809-5700 or contact us online.

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Join Us in Fighting Food Insecurity in Orange County

Orange County food insecurity donations

Radiant Health Centers, the leading LGBTQ+ health clinic in Orange County, is raising money for community members living with food insecurity. As one element of our social services, the Nutrition Services program aims to deliver nutritional assistance to many vulnerable individuals in the community. As the holiday season approaches, we are accepting donations to provide much-needed support to those who need it the most.

The First $50,000 Will Be Matched Dollar-for-Dollar

If you needed any incentive to give support, the program was given a major boost by an anonymous donor. The generous commitment ensures the first $50,000 donated will be matched dollar-for-dollar. With food insecurity reducing health outcomes for many in the LGBTQ+ community, every dollar will count for individuals living below the federal poverty level.

How Will Your Donations Help?

The Nutrition Services program will provide healthy meals to the most vulnerable people in the LGBTQ+ community in Orange County. For those living with HIV, diabetes or cancer, medically tailored meals provide the right nutrition to meet their specific needs.

In practice, this means a $25 donation ensures a meal can be delivered to someone with HIV or serious health issues. And what about a $500 donation? Well, that money can ensure five families get groceries for an entire month.

Why Is Access to Good Nutrition So Important?

Good nutrition is important for everyone, but it is particularly crucial for someone living with HIV and other serious illnesses. In fact, nutrition can build a foundation for good health in all areas of life – physical and mental. We recently reported on the physical and mental healthcare barriers facing transgender individuals, often leading to a reduced quality of life. Access to increased funding through donations ensures more groups can get the comprehensive care they deserve.

For people living with HIV, food insecurity frequently contributes to malnutrition and reduced medication adherence. With less viral suppression, the virus is more likely to spread and impact the community as a whole. By focusing on good nutrition for the most vulnerable individuals, health outcomes are raised and hospitalization rates will fall.

Looking Back to 2020 Donations

Last year saw 1,027 households, at or below 150% of the federal poverty line, receive meals. A collaboration with Project Angel Food has also led to 3,250 medically tailored frozen meals going to individuals living with HIV, diabetes or cancer.

This year provides an opportunity to support Orange County’s LGBTQ+ community further with the added bonus of a donation match. If you want to help tackle food insecurity and nutritional deficits across Orange County, please consider donating to Radiant Health Centers’ Nutrition Services program.

We Are Here To Serve Orange County’s LGBTQ+ Community

Radiant Health Centers has been delivering medical services to the LGBTQ+ community in Orange County for more than three decades. If you need help with HIV care, STI, HIV, or HepC testing, counseling and other social services, contact us today. Call us at (949) 809-5700 or contact us online to inquire about donating or for help.

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35th Annual AIDS Walk Orange County a Success

AIDS Walk Orange County Celebrates 35th Anniversary

The 35th Annual AIDS Walk Orange County Raised Funds to Help the HIV Community

Radiant Health Centers celebrated their 35th Annual AIDS Walk Orange County on Saturday, September 18. Everyone was excited that it was once again an in-person event at Bill Barber Memorial Park. The event included a “fun walk,” live entertainment, games and more with people participating individually, in teams and in memory of loved ones.
2021 AIDS Walk Orange County Participants

Funds Raised For Those Impacted by HIV in Orange County

Hundreds of participants united to raise more than $120,000. These funds will help provide health and social services for the LGBTQ+ community and improve the lives of thousands of individuals and their families impacted by HIV in Orange County. Radiant Health Centers will be able to serve even more people in the LGBTQ+ community through medical services, social services, counseling and community support.

Radiant Health Centers is Raising Awareness for HIV

In addition to the services we provide, Radiant Health Centers works to raise awareness of HIV throughout Orange County with education on prevention and treatments as well as support for anyone who has been impacted by HIV through the AIDS Walk Orange County and other events.

Thank You to Everyone Who Participated in the AIDS Walk of Orange County

We want to sincerely thank each person who was able to participate in AWOC this year, including the dedicated people who walked and volunteered at the event as well as our sponsors, ADP, Shopoff Investment Realty, Gilead, Avita Pharmacy, Kaiser Permanente and Room&Board. We count on all of your support each year and are grateful to each of you.

Interested in Learning More About Radiant Health Centers?

If you would like to learn more about our services, medical clinic or educational programs, we would love to talk to you! You can reach us by calling (949) 809-5700.

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Transgender Barriers to Physical & Mental Healthcare

Irvine transgender health issues.

Research conducted by the University of California has yet again highlighted some of the healthcare challenges facing transgender people. As the leading Orange County LGBTQ+ medical clinic, Radiant Health Centers provides safe and compassionate care for the local community.

Healthcare Remains a Persistent Struggle for Transgender Individuals

With all our efforts, this research indicates that transgender individuals still routinely face a lack of cultural competency, misgendering, treatment refusal and perceived systemic barriers from many providers.

Limitations in Gender Discrimination Laws

A Center for American Progress survey found that half of all transgender respondents had experienced mistreatment from a healthcare provider. Negative experiences frequently lead to individuals avoiding further interactions with medical professionals, and to mental health issues and substance abuse. While laws aim to protect all individuals from gender discrimination, in practice they are often not enforced by medical professionals or insurers.

The Mental and Physical Health Conditions Facing Transgender Communities

Transgender individuals report facing wide-reaching mental and physical conditions that lead to a drastically reduced quality of life. Recurring challenges include high levels of stress, anxiety, clinical depression and suicide. In fact, up to 40% of survey respondents report attempting suicide or experiencing psychological distress. Frequent cases of discrimination, intimidation and physical violence inevitably place a considerable burden on the physical and mental wellbeing of an individual.

Patients within the healthcare system may require a supply of hormones, counseling services and voice therapy. Additionally, high levels of HIV, STDs and substance abuse all require considerate and compassionate care. Unfortunately, many transgender individuals report dissatisfaction with the medical assistance they receive on these matters. Understanding how COVID-19 can impact the LGBTQ+ community is also a topical concern that can be overlooked by mainstream healthcare providers.

The Importance of Functioning Health Services for Transgender Individuals

A climate of stigma, discrimination, prejudice and ignorance is a daily reality for countless transgender people. And while continuous attempts at education and understanding can lead to improvements in healthcare, education and the workplace, it is clear that more work is required.

Persistent attacks on physical and mental wellbeing cause high levels of stress and anxiety that resonate throughout a transgender individual’s life. Access to healthcare providers who understand these challenges is essential for rebuilding the trust eroded by poor treatment and hostility.

Important Steps in Tackling Discrimination

The legal system and healthcare providers can make important steps to reduce barriers to physical and mental healthcare. Funding increases for counseling and mental health services, training for staff, additional support for community health centers and improved laws to prevent discrimination and violence are just a few ways to make a dramatic difference to the lives of transgender individuals in Orange County – and right across the country.

Safe and Discreet Services for the LGBTQ+ Community

Radiant Health Centers is the leading LGBTQ+ medical clinic covering Irvine, Santa Ana and across Orange County. Our trained staff provides valuable services including free HIV and STD tests, family planning, counseling and mental health services. To make an appointment, call us at (949) 809-5700 or request one online.

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STDs: Types, Transmission and Treatment Options Infographic

STD infographic for Orange County residents.

As a primary location for free STD testing in the Irvine LGBTQ+ community, Radiant Health Centers understands the importance of STD education and prevention. The prevalence of STDs is often underestimated, but a CDC report indicates that 1 in 5 Americans have a sexually transmitted infection.

Important Facts About STDs

Keep reading for the important facts about STDs, and consider sharing our infographic across social media.

What Are the Types of STDs?

There are many types of STDs and they each have a range of symptoms. If you believe you have an infection, you can get free testing at our health center along with counseling for the LGBTQ+ community and other services.

Since there are many types of STDs, we are going to discuss the most common ones and their symptoms – bacterial, viral and parasitic.

Bacterial STDs

The most common bacterial STDs are chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. While all three could have minimal or no symptoms, chlamydia and gonorrhea often result in discharge and burning. The symptoms of syphilis include sores and fever that worsen if left untreated. For men, gonorrhea can include testicular pain, while for women, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a complication that could result from chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Viral STDs

Viral STDs include HIV, herpes, HPV and hepatitis. HIV affects the immune system, causing fever, headaches and flu-like symptoms, although signs of HIV can take years to appear. Genital herpes symptoms range from no symptoms at all to sores, blisters and itching. HPV may show no visible signs, or could lead to soft tissue growths around the genitals. For hepatitis, look out for dark urine, nausea and abdominal pain.

Parasitic STDs

The common parasitic STDs are trichomoniasis and pubic lice. This type of STD is caused by parasites passing between individuals during sexual contact. Trichomoniasis leads to burning and discharge, while also leading to pregnancy complications for women. Pubic lice spread during sexual activity and lead to constant itching around the genitals.

If you have a blog or social media account, you can share this information with your readers by posting our infographic (using the embed code below).

3 Misconceptions About STDs

  1. You can tell when someone has an STD – In fact, many STDs have no visible symptoms.
  2. You can’t get an STD from oral sex – Any sexual contact can lead to the passing of bacteria and viruses that cause STDs.
  3. You can’t get an STD again after treatment – In reality, you can get the same STD again after treatment.

How Can STDs Be Prevented?

Condoms offer a high degree of protection against many STDs. However, condoms won’t provide 100% protection, and exposed skin-to-skin contact could result in common STDs like HPV. Regular STD testing and open discussions with new sexual partners also reduce the risk of contracting an STD. Radiant Health Centers provides free STD testing along with family planning and birth control services.

STD infographic for Orange County residents

Help Yourself and Others Get Informed About STDs

Radiant Health Centers assists communities in Irvine, Santa Ana and across Orange County with information and testing for STDs. You can help spread awareness of STDs by sharing our infographic across all social media platforms. For free HIV and STD testing, call (949) 809-5700 or request an appointment online.

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The Radiant Health Centers 2020–2021 Annual Report Is Here!

The Radiant Health Centers Annual Report, 2020–2021

Radiant Health Centers is focused on providing compassionate healthcare to the LGBTQ+ community of Orange County. As part of that mission, we release our annual report each year to celebrate the achievements of both the organization and those we serve. 2020 was a challenging year, yet we were still able to assist and educate thousands through creative outreach and online services. You can check out the full report here, but here are some of the highlights.

Serving the LGBTQ+ Community With Medical and Mental Healthcare

Throughout the year we were able to assist over 2,700 people with either medical or mental healthcare. Our compassionate medical care includes both testing and treatment for HIV, STDs and other sexual healthcare needs. Radiant’s mental health counseling includes assessment, treatment, both group and individual therapy, family and couples therapy, as well as children’s therapy based on age.

Lifesaving Sexual Health Education

Despite the global pandemic, our volunteers and creative team members were able to educate more than 6,000 people in the past year. This education includes how to know your HIV status, how to avoid HIV transmission, compassionate care, health equity in the LGBTQ+ community and much more.

2020’s Impact on AIDS Walk Orange County and the Annual Gala

This year we had to host our main fundraisers virtually for the first time. The first virtual AIDS Walk OC was a great success. Despite the lack of an in-person walk, we were still able to raise over $95,000!

In a somewhat ironic twist, our annual gala – which was themed “Back to the Future” – used the technology of Zoom and livestreaming this year in place of an in-person event. By the end of the night, the Gala was able to raise over $180,000 earmarked to provide medical and mental healthcare for the Orange County LGBTQ+ community.

Get a Detailed Annual Report From Radiant Health Centers

To see the specific numbers and further details, please download the 2020 annual report. If you have any questions or would like any further information, please call (949) 809-5700 or learn more about how to get involved today.

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Wonder How COVID-19 Can Impact the LGBTQ+ HIV Community?

COVID-19 and the HIV community in Irvine.

The Impact of COVID-19 on the LGBTQ+ HIV Community

Following latest research, the World Health Organization (WHO) is recommending that people living with HIV be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccines. In the global fight to stem infections, members of the Irvine LGBTQ+ community undergoing HIV treatment are advised that the benefits of vaccination radically outweigh any slim risks.

As research into COVID-19 is published, there have been clearer signs of the risks for the HIV community. Significant statistics include that 23.1% of people living with HIV who were admitted to the hospital with Covid-19 eventually died. People living with HIV also had a 30% greater chance of developing severe or fatal symptoms.

How the LGBTQ+ Community Can Reduce the Threat of COVID-19

To address the concerns of many people living with HIV, the CDC has published guidance for maintaining good health while undergoing HIV treatment. Among the most important steps is getting fully vaccinated as soon as possible. A weakened immune system could, however, make people with HIV more vulnerable even after vaccination.

Therefore, mask wearing, social distancing and good hygiene should still play a vital role. As always, maintaining good health through diet, sleep and HIV medicine are key to a strong immune system.

Additional Factors Affect Health Risks for the HIV Community

While people living with HIV may feel disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, other factors are at play.Researchers at the Yale School of Medicine and University of Michigan – working with limited data – found that factors like old age, heart disease, diabetes, liver disease and other comorbidities were more significant factors in the hospitalization of those living with HIV.

Nonetheless, the pandemic has put serious strain on many within the LGBTQ+ community. Economic uncertainty, mental health struggles and social isolation are familiar issues for many, and the pandemic has only exacerbated these issues. Thankfully, events like the upcoming AIDS Walk Orange County offers the opportunity for individuals and sponsors to support the much-needed services offered at Radiant Health Centers.

How the LGBTQ+ HIV Community Can Make Use of Local Resources

Radiant Health Centers continues to support the LGBTQ+ HIV community, with staff and volunteers dedicated to providing support and care. People living with HIV are encouraged to make use of the many medical and social services available. These services include free HIV testing, counseling, treatment for HIV, STDs, STIs and Hepatitis C, sexual health services and HIV awareness. The COVID-19 pandemic has hit many people hard, but the Orange County LGBTQ+ HIV community has continued to show resilience and togetherness throughout.

Health and Social Services Care for the LGBTQ+ Community

At Radiant Health Centers, we serve the needs of the LGBTQ+ community in Irvine, Santa Ana and all of Orange County with care and compassion. Our trained staff provides HIV and STD testing, HIV prevention treatment, family planning, social services and mental health counseling. If you would like to make an appointment, call us at (949) 809-5700.

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RADAR Transition to Radiant Heath Centers Irvine Location

Our Culture - Radiant Health Centers

Six years ago, Radiant Health Centers’ (then AIDS Services Foundation) received a grant from the CDC to provide HIV testing and education to priority populations in high-risk communities to advance efforts to end the HIV epidemic. The outcome was to create a High-impact HIV prevention program and position it in an area that showed the greatest need.

RADAR Satellite Services Transferred to Irvine Location

A satellite office in the city of Santa Ana was secured and staffed through this grant funding which allowed us to create a strong community presence in Santa Ana-the city with the highest rate of new HIV diagnoses per 100,100 population in 2020.  The satellite office was branded RADAR in an effort to attract individuals who were at high risk of contracting HIV and in need of testing and education who may not have felt comfortable seeking care from an AIDS agency.

In June 2021, the CDC funding for this satellite location ended and we seamlessly transferred the valuable education and outreach efforts to the Radiant Health Centers site in Irvine. We are fortunate to maintain one of the original outreach team members to lead this continued effort and we remain committed to providing outreach, education, testing, treatment, care navigation and overall LGBTQ+ healthcare equity to those most in need in Orange County.

Get LGBTQ+ Medical Services & Support at Irvine Location

Learn more about the medical and support services offered at Radiant Health Centers now or by calling (949) 809-5700.

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Media Alert – AIDS Walk Orange County Celebrates 35 Years

AIDS Walk Orange County Celebrates 35th Anniversary

MEDIA ALERT

AIDS WALK ORANGE COUNTY CELEBRATES 35TH ANNIVERSARY, SOLIDIFYING ITS NAME AS ONE OF THE OLDEST AIDS WALKS IN THE U.S.

Largest LGBTQ+ Healthcare Provider in Orange County to Host Family Friendly Walk in September

WHAT: Radiant Health Centers (RHC), the largest LGBTQ+ healthcare provider in Orange County, will host its 35th annual AIDS Walk Orange County on September 18, 2021 in Irvine, Calif. The annual event, which falls during the 40th year since the first five cases of AIDS were reported, will include a family friendly walk in the Bill Barber park, entertainment, and much more. Key speakers include the Mayor of Irvine Farrah N. Khan, Mr. Gay Pride OC 16/17’ and Phillip Yeager, Radiant Health Centers CEO.

The event will also feature a cutest dog and best themed AIDS Walk t-shirt contests, a fun zone with obstacle course challenges, food trucks and more.

Registration is $25 and includes a free AIDS Walk Orange County t-shirt. Those interested supporting LGBTQ+ medical and support services can also make donations by visiting https://www.radianthealthcenters.org/events/awoc.

Sponsors include: ADP, Shopoff Realty, Gilead Sciences, Avita Pharmacy, Kaiser Permanente, and Room&Board.

WHEN: Saturday, September 18, 2021

Walk starts – 9 a.m.

WHERE: Bill Barber Memorial Park 4 Civic Center Plaza, Irvine, Calif. 92606

Media RSVP requested

WHY: Radiant Health Centers (previously the AIDS Services Foundation) is an Irvine-based nonprofit that has been working to bring compassionate care to Orange County’s LGBTQ+ community for nearly three decades. The AIDS Walk Orange County is one of the oldest AIDS Walks in the U.S., making its 35th anniversary celebration a historic event. The funds raised at this annual event make an immediate impact in the lives of LGBTQ+ community members in the county living with HIV/AIDS. The event has raised more than $3 million in the past eight years and hopes to continue its fundraising to raise awareness and provide care for those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

The nonprofit cares for and supports those living with HIV and the broader LGBTQ+ community regardless of their HIV status through various medical services and support programs. From case management, mental health services, counseling and medical care, Radiant Health Centers continues to expand its care to ensure Orange County community members have access to services vital to their well-being and health.

INTERVIEWS/VISUALS:

  • Interviews with community members and clients of Radiant Health Centers including, Gay Pride OC 16/17’ and Daniel G. Garza, Radiant Health Centers Board Member and Client
  • Interviews with Radiant Health Centers CEO, Phillip Yaeger
  • Strong visuals of Orange County community members participating in the annual AIDS WALK OC
  • Great visuals of community figures supporting Radiant Health Centers

MEDIA CONTACT:

Ana Martinez
amartinez@radianthealthcenters.org
(949) 809-5768

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