Press Releases and Agency News about Radiant Health Centers, an LGBTQ+ focused health care agency based in Orange County.

35th Annual Radiant Health Centers Gala Raises $182,000

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Back to the Future Gala logo for LGBTQ+ health services fundraiser

 

35thAnnual Radiant Health Centers Gala Raised $182,000

Gala proceeds go directly to providing specialized, stigma-free medical and social services for the LGBTQ+ community

Community champions and business leaders came together virtually to attend Radiant Health Centers’ 35th annual gala on February 6. Through the event, Radiant Health Centers, which offers free HIV testing, LGBTQ+ specialized medical care and comprehensive social services to Orange County, raised $182,000. Funds will help the organization continue providing critically needed services throughout the pandemic and beyond, including at-home and drive-up HIV testing, expanded telehealth appointments, family planning services, and social services around housing needs, food insecurities and mental health issues, demand for which has increased by 300% over the last three months.

 

With its Back to the Future theme, Orange County’s most influential advocates and change makers signed on for a fun and engaging digital evening celebrating the past, present and future of Radiant Health Centers. At the center of the gala’s celebration was the presentation of the inaugural Radiant Compassion Award, which honored Jeanne and Gideon Bernstein who launched the #BlazeItForward movement in honor of their son Blaze Bernstein to promote compassion, acceptance and kindness for all.

 

“We are honored and privileged by the outpouring of support from our incredible donors and sponsors, who are such a vital part of our Radiant Health Centers family,” said Philip Yaeger, Radiant Health Centers’ CEO. “They are an inspiration to all of our staff and clients. The community needs Radiant Health Centers now more than ever and we’re grateful to our donors and sponsors for helping us continue serving as a beacon of hope and compassionate care for those most in need.”

 

The gala also featured a celebrity guest appearance by Back to the Future franchise star Lea Thompson, a live performance by musical guests Flashback Heart Attack, and enthusiastic auctioning with 100 percent of proceeds going directly to Radiant Health Centers’ services.

 

The 35th annual Radiant Health Centers gala was generously sponsored by Avita Pharmacy, Union Bank, Gilead, Janssen and Pacific Life.

 

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Radiant Health Centers Goes Back to the Future with Annual Gala

Back to the Future Gala logo for LGBTQ+ health services fundraiser

Community champions and business leaders are set to attend Radiant Health Centers’ marquee annual gala on February 6. With its Back to the Future theme, Orange County’s most influential advocates and change-makers will virtually come together for a fun and engaging digital evening celebrating the past, present, and future of Radiant Health Centers. Radiant Health Centers saw an increase in demand for its services in 2020 with many community members’ struggles exacerbated by the pandemic. The virtual gala will provide an opportunity for community members to rally behind the organization with money raised going directly to providing specialized, stigma-free medical and social services for the LGBTQ+ community.

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Radiant Health Centers Brings Free Drive-up HIV Testing to Orange County

Making HIV and STD testing quick and accessible is part of Radiant Health Center’s efforts in advancing LGBTQ+ health equity and ending the HIV epidemic in Orange County 

Irvine, Calif. (Oct. 22, 2020) – Radiant Health Centers, a nonprofit specializing in LGBTQ+ specialized medical care and comprehensive social services to Orange County, has begun offering free drive-up rapid HIV testing to the Orange County community. The program is by-appointment-only and offers a complete HIV testing experience, including pre-appointment consultation and PrEP or PEP prescriptions, based on test results.

The drive-up testing process includes counseling and education over the phone before the appointment to minimize physical interaction with testing staff while also providing clients with helpful information to facilitate a supportive experience. All appointments are private and confidential. Clients arrive at Radiant Health Centers’ location for their scheduled appointment where the testing counselor administers the test while the client remains safely in their vehicle. Results are available in a minute and treatment or prescriptions are made available that same day.

Radiant Health Centers Drive-up HIV Testing

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, we’ve been constantly reimagining how we provide our programs and services,” said Phil Yaeger, CEO of Radiant Health Centers. “One of the services where we see the highest demand is our HIV and STI testing and treatment. Early during the pandemic, we deployed at-home HIV testing kits. Our drive-up HIV testing program offers the same level of confidentiality and compassion with more in-person interaction. Everything we do complies with CDC guidelines and we’re proud to continue our outreach to the community – especially our more vulnerable populations – safely and healthily.”

The free drive-up HIV testing appointments are available on Mondays between 12 – 4 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling (949) 809-5700. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services and referrals are also available by phone. Learn more about Radiant Health Centers’ testing services.

Radiant Health Centers provides the LGBTQ+ community medical services that are compassionate and comprehensive while continuing to serve those living with and affected by HIV. Learn more at www.radianthealthcenters.org.     

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Radiant Health Centers’ Respuesta a COVID-19

Radiant Health Centers – Irvine LGBTQ Center Receives Grant

La oficina de Radiant Health Centers estará cerrada hasta nuevo aviso. Las citas con los clientes continuarán por teléfono y conferencias de telesalud.
La entrega de despensa a nuestros clientes más vulnerables continuará. Manténgase conectado para actualizaciones.

 

Radiant Health Centers está tomando pasos para alinearnos con Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC por sus signas en inglés) para asegurar que guías y métodos de prevención de infección estarán en plazo. Seguiremos monitoreando la situación y actualizaremos regularmente. Estrategias creativas serán implementadas de acuerdo las necesidades de nuestros clientes ya como se vaya desarrollando la situación.

Nuestros empleados han sido notificados para realizar un esfuerzo concentrado para usar etiqueta de salud apropiada como:

  • Con frecuencia lavar las manos con jabón y agua tibia durante 20 segundos
  • Cubrir la boca cuando toza y estornude con una servilleta, luego tírala a la basura
  • Evitar contacto cercano con personas que estén enfermas
  • Evitar tocarse los ojos, nariz, y boca
  • Evitar compartir artículos personales con otros compañeros de trabajo
  • Minimizar saludos de mano y abrazos
  • Cuando sea posible, mantener una distancia social sea posible por lo menos 2 pies entre usted y otras personas
  • Quedarse en casa si este enfermo y buscar cuidado médico apropiado

Radiant Health Centers se adquirirá a los siguientes protocolos:

  • Servicios médicos individuales y de servicios sociales continuaran a ser ofrecidos dentro de nuestro horario normal en horas de oficina.
  • Actividades de grupos serán canceladas hasta nuevo aviso.
  • La frecuencia de limpieza ambiental de espacio de trabajo compartido, equipo y muebles serán limpiados con frecuencia.
  • Empleados que tengan síntomas de gripa serán enviados a casa.
  • Empleados no tendrán obligación de atender conferencias grandes. No hay prohibición sobre conferencias en este tiempo, pero deberían ser consultados con el supervisor.
  • Se alerta a cliente a realizar citas para visitas y el personal evaluara el estado de salud durante la llamada. Clientes que estén experimentando síntomas de gripa se les proveerán instrucciones de cuidado de salud.
  • Clientes que lleguen a la oficina y muestran síntomas de COVID-19 serán inmediatamente aisladas, les proveerán una mascarilla y serán conectadas con la Agencia de Salud Publica para opciones de cuidado.

Radiant Health Centers se estará dirigiendo en lo siguiente:

  • Preparar el personal para trabajar desde casa y pudiera animarlos a hacerlo según se desarrolle la situación.
  • Asesorar sesiones de trabajo, juntas o eventos y considerar otras opciones basado en caso por caso, reduciendo, posponiendo o conduciéndolas por teléfono o electrónicamente.
  • Radiant Health Centers actualmente no provee exámenes para el Coronavirus pero seguirá monitoreando la situación y asistiremos al CDC si es solicitado.

Recursos de información acerca de COVID-19:

OC Health Care Agency información acerca de COVID-19 puede ser encontrada en: http://cms.ocgov.com/gov/health/phs/about/epidasmt/epi/dip/prevention/novel_coronavirus.asp

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention información nacional acerca de COVID-19 puede ser encontrada en:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

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Radiant Health Centers Receives a Grant of $25,000 from Hoag’s Community Benefits Program to Support HIV Case Management

Irvine, Calif. (Jan. 20, 2020) – Hoag’s Community Benefits Program has announced a generous gift of $25,000 to support Radiant Health Centers’ HIV Case Management services.

“We are incredibly grateful for Hoag’s support,” said Phil Yaeger, executive director and CEO of Radiant Health Centers. “This grant will truly make a difference in the lives of nearly 7,000 people living with HIV in Orange County.”

While HIV has become a manageable condition, people living with HIV still face stigma and must take costly medications every day for the rest of their lives, which can have long-term side effects. Radiant Health Centers’ case management program helps clients navigate their medical needs and resources and offers mental health counseling, nutrition support, peer support, transportation, and financial and housing assistance to those living with HIV.

“This grant will go a long way in helping us get to zero new HIV transmissions and zero deaths from AIDS,” said Yaeger.

Learn more about Radiant Health Centers’ Case Management program.

About Radiant Health Centers

Radiant Health Centers (formerly AIDS Services Foundation) provides the LGBTQ+ community medical services that are compassionate and comprehensive while continuing to serve those living with and affected by HIV. Learn more at www.radianthealthcenters.org.

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Media contact:
Sandra Wellhausen
swellhausen@wrightoncomm.com
C: (619) 245-8866

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Radiant Health Centers Joins Meals on Wheels America and Subaru of America, Inc. in Sharing the Love this Holiday Season

The 12th annual Subaru Share the Love® Event will help deliver nutritious meals and compassion to Orange County’s seniors

Irvine, Calif. (Dec. 18, 2019) – Radiant Health Centers is proud to announce it will be participating in the 2019 Subaru Share the Love Event as a member of Meals on Wheels America – one of four national Share the Love charitable partners supported through the campaign. From November 14, 2019, through January 2, 2020, Subaru of America will donate $250 for every new Subaru vehicle purchased or leased to the customer’s choice of participating charities.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Subaru and its retailers for supporting our organization and the seniors we serve,” said Phil Yaeger, executive director and CEO, Radiant Health Centers. “This program really makes a difference in the lives of the many seniors in our community.”

Participating Meals on Wheels America members, like Radiant Health Centers, will receive a share of the donation raised by Subaru in their state.

“Meals on Wheels America is proud to partner with Subaru of America for the 12th consecutive year to enable more seniors to live with independence and dignity,” said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO, Meals on Wheels America. “Since 2008, the Subaru Share the Love Event has helped deliver more than 2.2 million meals and friendly visits to vulnerable seniors nationwide. We’re enormously grateful to Subaru and its retailers for their long-standing commitment to Meals on Wheels and the millions of seniors who depend on it for nourishment and companionship.”

Over the last 11 years, Subaru of America and its participating retailers have donated more than $145 million to its charity partners. This year’s Subaru Share the Love Event is on track to bring that total to over $170 million, proving there’s no limit to the amount of love we can all share.

By purchasing or leasing a new Subaru during the Subaru Share the Love Event and selecting Meals on Wheels as your charity of choice, you can help deliver nutritious meals and other important services to seniors right here in Orange County.

For more information, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/sharethelove.

About Radiant Health Centers

Radiant Health Centers provides the LGBTQ+ community medical services that are compassionate and comprehensive while continuing to serve those living with and affected by HIV. Learn more at www.radianthealthcenters.org.

About Meals on Wheels America

Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior isolation and hunger. This network serves virtually every community in America and, along with more than two million staff and volunteers, delivers the nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks that enable America’s seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity. By providing funding, leadership, education, research and advocacy support, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. For more information, or to find a Meals on Wheels provider near you, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered at a zero-landfill office in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 630 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the company’s vision to show love and respect to everyone, and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA has donated more than $165 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged more than 40,000 volunteer hours. As a company, Subaru believes it is important to do its part in making a positive impact in the world because it is the right thing to do.

For additional information visit media.subaru.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Media contact:
Sandra Wellhausen
swellhausen@wrightoncomm.com
C: (619) 245-8866

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Radiant Health Centers’ Annual Gala: Cirque Rouge, Pays Homage to Traditional Circus Fun to Raise Funds for Healthcare Equity in Orange County

The gala proceeds will help provide medical and social services with the goal of ending the HIV epidemic in Orange County

IRVINE, Calif. (Nov. 14, 2019)— Prepare for a magical evening with Radiant Health Centers at its Annual Gala: Cirque Rouge, at what is expected to be a sold-out event. The event will take place on Feb. 15, 2020, at 5:30 p.m. at the Yost Theater in Santa Ana.

The circus-themed event will bring back memories of circuses’ golden age with a parade, fun games and whimsical and colorful music performances. Cirque Rouge will celebrate diversity and raise funds for Radiant Health Centers’ medical and social services focused on ending the HIV epidemic in Orange County.

“This year’s Gala will be a glamorous experience where you will be transported back to the heyday of the circus at the beginning of the 1900s,” said Larry Will, Radiant Health Centers’ gala committee chair. “We can’t wait to celebrate and raise funds that will allow us to provide healthcare equity for all in our community.”

Radiant Health Centers recently took a step to expand its services to marginalized groups of people, with a specialty in serving the LGBTQ+ community, by opening a clinic in Santa Ana, its third location in Orange County.

“We will not stop until everyone in Orange County has access to quality healthcare and we put an end to the HIV epidemic,” said Phil Yaeger, executive director and CEO, Radiant Health Centers. “To ensure everyone receives the care they need, we offer services on a sliding scale based on each patient’s income, as well as serve those who are uninsured or underinsured. We are creating an environment free of stigma that embraces the unique and diverse healthcare realities of each patient we serve.”

To purchase tickets and view corporate sponsorship levels and underwriting opportunities, see Annual Gala.

About Radiant Health Centers

Radiant Health Centers provides the LGBTQ+ community medical services that are compassionate and comprehensive while continuing to serve those living with and affected by HIV. Learn more at www.radianthealthcenters.org.

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Media contact:
Sandra Wellhausen
swellhausen@wrightoncomm.com
C: (619) 245-8866

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Edwards Lifesciences Foundation Awards Radiant Health Centers $10,000 to Support their Nutrition Services Program

IRVINE, Calif. (Oct. 1, 2019)— Edwards Lifesciences Foundation has announced a generous gift of $10,000 to support Radiant Health Centers’ Nutrition Services Program, which provides more than 123,000 meals each year.

The Nutrition Program serves individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Orange County, as well as disabled members of the LGBTQ+ community who are experiencing food insecurity, regardless of HIV status.

“We are incredibly grateful for this generous gift,” said Phil Yaeger, executive director & CEO, Radiant Health Centers. “This gift will truly make a difference to hundreds of our clients who face food insecurity. It is a welcome indication that the Orange County community looks to Radiant Health Centers as a trusted resource and partner in providing much-needed care and support services to those most in need.”

Stigma, poverty, cultural misunderstandings and other health barriers have led to heightened health risks in Orange County’s vulnerable LGBTQ+ population. The food pantry provides a dependable source of nutritious food for Radiant Health Centers’ clients and their families.

Eligible clients pick up their food at Radiant Health Centers Irvine location, and the nonprofit also delivers food to homebound clients and those who do not have access to transportation.

About Radiant Health Centers

Radiant Health Centers provides the LGBTQ+ community medical services that are compassionate and comprehensive while continuing to serve those living with and affected by HIV. Learn more at www.radianthealthcenters.org.

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Media contact:
Sandra Wellhausen
swellhausen@wrightoncomm.com
C: (619) 245-8866

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Radiant Health Centers Launches Orange County’s First Health Clinic Specializing in the Unique Needs of LGBTQ+ Patients

IRVINE, Calif. (Aug. 28, 2019) — Radiant Health Centers has opened Orange County’s first health clinic specializing in the unique needs of LGBTQ+ patients, as well as qualifying patients of all backgrounds. The clinic is located in Orange County on 2010 E 1st Street, Suite 270, in Santa Ana.

Radiant Health Centers is taking a step to address healthcare inequality that affects marginalized groups of people, especially the LGBTQ+ community, by creating an environment free of stigma that embraces the unique healthcare realities of each patient it serves.

The new clinic will provide sexual health services including PrEP navigation and prescriptions to prevent HIV, access to PEP for people concerned that they’ve been exposed to HIV, and HIV and STI testing and treatment. It also offers family planning counseling including contraceptive care, infertility services and breast and cervical cancer screenings.

The clinic’s services are provided on a sliding scale based on each patient’s income qualifications.

Research shows that sexual health and family planning services are greatly needed within the LGBTQ+ community. According to a recent study published in the American Journal of Public Health, pregnancies are more common among lesbian, gay, and bisexual youths than among their heterosexual counterparts.

“Due to discrimination and misunderstanding, members of our LGBTQ+ community often are unable or uncomfortable accessing the healthcare they need,” said Phil Yaeger, CEO and executive director, Radiant Health Centers. “Our clinic is specially designed to make everyone in our community, including individuals who are gay, transgender and gender non-conforming, feel welcome and comfortable through culturally appropriate care that spans from preventative practices to medical treatment.”

The medical clinic is Radiant Health Centers’ first step to opening a universally welcoming health center in Orange County, where all community members are welcome.

“Through our 34 years of service, we have seen firsthand how stigma, poverty, cultural misunderstandings, lack of insurance and other health barriers have led to heightened health risks in Orange County’s vulnerable LGBTQ+ population,” said Yaeger. “We are working to close that gap and expand our reach within our community.”

Hours are Mondays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesdays from 1:30 to 7 p.m.  The hours will be expanded based on the community’s needs. Walk-ins are welcome. Priority will be given to those with an appointment. To request an appointment at the clinic or at one of Radiant Health Centers other locations, call 949-809-5700.

About Radiant Health Centers

Radiant Health Centers provides the community with medical services that are compassionate and comprehensive while continuing to serve those living with and affected by HIV. Learn more at www.radianthealthcenters.org.

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Media contact:
Sandra Wellhausen
swellhausen@wrightoncomm.com
C: (619) 245-8866

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Radiant Health Centers Receives $1.97M Grant from Department of Public Health to Provide Innovative HIV Treatment

IRVINE, Calif. (Aug. 26, 2019)— Radiant Health Centers is proud to announce it has been selected to receive a two-year, $1.97 million grant from the California Department of Public Health to provide rapid anti-retroviral treatment (ART) to individuals who test positive for HIV, at no cost to them.

Rapid ART, which provides treatment to HIV positive individuals within three days, prevents HIV transmissions by helping HIV-positive individuals attain an undetectable viral load. A person with an undetectable viral load has effectively no risk of transmitting HIV to other people.

Rapid ART is more impactful than traditional treatment because it reduces the HIV viral load much quicker than a traditional treatment, and as the viral load decreases so does the risk of contracting HIV. Rapid ART also helps patients achieve an undetectable viral load in a much shorter timeframe due to the much quicker treatment window.

“Research shows that approximately six new people test positive for HIV every week in Orange County, and the sooner we get them into treatment the sooner they become undetectable and can no longer transmit HIV to other people,” said Phil Yaeger, CEO & executive director, Radiant Health Centers.  “By removing barriers to care, we will get people into treatment much quicker, which is a key factor to reducing the spread of HIV.”

Through the grant, Radiant Health Centers will develop a complete care navigation plan that will offer clients everything from screening to treatment and medications. Clients will be able to attend appointments in person and via telehealth appointments through any internet-connected computer or smart device. The telehealth appointments will remove barriers to access care, such as transportation and allow patients to contact providers from the convenience of their own homes.

“We have served the community for the past 34 years, and as the AIDS and HIV epidemic has evolved, so have we,” said Yaeger. “We have evolved from an organization that helped people die with dignity to an organization that is bridging the healthcare gaps that result in six new HIV transmissions every week.”

In addition to engaging and providing rapid ART on-site and via telehealth, Radiant Health Centers will conduct a variety of outreach and education activities to increase the community’s knowledge that rapid ART can result in an undetectable HIV viral load, which means that HIV cannot be transmitted.

About Radiant Health Centers

Radiant Health Centers provides the community with medical services that are compassionate and comprehensive while continuing to serve those living with and affected by HIV. Learn more at www.radianthealthcenters.org.

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Media contact:
Sandra Wellhausen
swellhausen@wrightoncomm.com
C: (619) 245-8866

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