Archive for category: In the News

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 affordable 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.

MEDIA ALERT

AIDS WALK ORANGE COUNTY CELEBRATES 35^TH 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 35^th annual AIDS Walk Orange County on September 18, 2021 in Irvine, Calif. The annual event, which falls during the 40^th 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 35^th 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

Join Us in Celebrating Pride Month by Shopping Our Pride Store Online

To help our supporters celebrate Pride month, Radiant Health Centers is offering Pride items for sale in our online store. Those visiting the store will find t-shirts, totes and stickers with our Pride logo available for purchase and delivery. Show your support along with others in our community by shopping our online Pride store.

The History of Pride Month

Pride Month was created in the United States to commemorate the Stonewall Riots that happened in June 1969. The riots were a series of spontaneous demonstrations by members of the gay community in response to a police raid that began the morning of June 28, 1969. The raid sparked a riot among bar patrons and neighborhood residents, leading to six days of protests and violent clashes.

The Stonewall Riots served as a catalyst for the gay rights movement in the United States and around the world, and in 2015 the Stonewall Inn was declared a historic landmark by the City of New York and later named a national monument by President Obama in 2016. During the month of June, Pride events are held to recognize the impact LGBTQ+ people have had in the world.

Fun Fact About the Pride Flag

Fun Fact: Created by artist Gilbert Baker in 1978, the rainbow flag is widely known as the symbol of Pride and provides a bold visual representation of the movement.

Come See Us and Celebrate Pride Social-Distance Style

The COVID pandemic halted most festivals in 2020, and this year we find ourselves cautiously easing back to in-person events aligned with COVID protocols and virtual events to keep the spirit of Pride alive.

In partnership with Orange County Pride, Radiant Health Centers will be participating in two events this year.

1. Pride Farmers Market in Downtown Anaheim on Thursday, June 24th from 11am–3pm. Visit this Facebook event to learn more.
2. Sponsoring OC Pride Movie Night, watch Hedwig & The Angry Inch at the Frida Cinema on Friday, June 25th at 8pm. To get your tickets and for more information click here.

Ready to Show Your Pride? You Can Start Shopping Now

Now is the time to head on over to Radiant Health Center’s online store and add your favorite Pride swag to your cart. Even if you’re not ready to buy today, you can browse our Pride merchandise for when you are.

We Are Dedicated to Serving the LGBTQ+ Community in Orange County

Radiant Health Centers’ April issue of The Voice highlights the strong values we put on diversity, equity, and inclusion. These are more than just words at Radiant Health Centers, they encompass both our history and our vision for the future. You can read it now – just click here to download.

Tap Into Our Trans Awareness Project

In this issue, we share examples of our commitment to celebrate and serve Orange County’s diverse communities. You’ll learn about our Trans Awareness Project (TAP) which serves as a Trans advisory committee for Radiant Health Centers and the WIN Micro-Grant focused on women’s health.

Create+Equity for Individuals With HIV

Radiant Health Centers is also proud to announce its membership in the Create+Equity Collaborative, a national equity improvement initiative to mitigate barriers associated with the social determinants of health that are experienced by people with HIV. This 18-month collaborative focuses on improving the viral suppression of patients experiencing unstable housing, substance use, mental health issues, and barriers associated with their age – areas where Radiant Health Centers has a long history of care.

COVID-19 Impacted the LGBTQ+ Community – And Our Supporters Stepped Up

This issue also highlights the impact that the past year has had on our clients and services. Last spring, we sounded the alarm on an urgent and growing need in clients seeking mental health care. This increased demand was yet another impact of the pandemic on the LGBTQ+ community. Read about how our supporters stepped up to make an impactful contribution to address this unexpected 300% increase in mental health referrals.

Thank You for Standing With Radiant Health Centers & Orange County

As always, we are truly grateful for those who stand with Radiant Health Centers to keep our vital services available to those most in need in Orange County. There are many ways you can support our work, and you can read about one of the easiest and most impactful ways for you to give with your heart and leave a lasting legacy.

Welcome to Our New Board Chair

Last but certainly not least, Radiant Health Centers welcomes a new board chair and extends our gratitude to our exiting chair for his years of service. Read all about it in this month’s issue of The Voice. Enjoy!

Bringing Support to the LGBTQ+ Community – And You Can Help

At Radiant Health Centers we are dedicated to serving the LGBTQ+ community, those impacted by HIV and their families. You can help us too. Please consider donating in the way that works for you – monetarily, volunteering your time, or simply shopping AmazonSmile – each of these supportive actions will help benefit the community. Call (949) 809-5700 or learn more about how to get involved today.