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

Radiant Health Centers Awarded $100,000 Grant from UniHealth Foundation to Launch Medically Tailored Meals Project to Individuals Living with HIV and Chronic Illnesses

IRVINE, Calif. (April 18, 2019)— Radiant Health Centers is proud to announce a grant of $100,000, over two years, from UniHealth Foundation that will support Radiant Health Centers’ Medically Tailored Meals Pilot Project. Through a partnership with Project Angel Food, Radiant Health Centers will deliver an additional 3,250 meals each year tailored to support the unique medical needs of clients living with HIV and other chronic illnesses, ensuring they receive safe, easy to prepare and digest, and nutritionally dense foods.

“While our Nutrition Services Program has proven successful in improving client’s health, we recognize the need to expand our program to better serve our most vulnerable clients,” said Phil Yaeger, CEO and executive director, Radiant Health Centers. “We feel Project Angel Food is the perfect partner for this program and we are excited to leverage their experience providing nutritious, ready-made meals.”

Food and nutrition innovation is gaining more and more recognition in the healthcare arena.  A 2018 study conducted at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, revealed that medically tailored meals greatly improved health outcomes and lowered cost of healthcare among nutritionally vulnerable patients.  This new program will allow Radiant Health Centers and Project Angel Food to expand services throughout Orange County.

Radiant Health Centers provides the LGBTQ+ 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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One of Southern California’s Biggest AIDS Walks Moves to the Boardwalk

Participants can register for the walk at www.radianthealthcenters.org/awoc

IRVINE, Calif. (April 3, 2019) — This summer, Orange County will lace up its collective walking shoes for the 33rdAnnual AIDS Walk OC, hosted by Radiant Health Centers on Saturday, June 1, at the Huntington Beach Boardwalk.

AIDS Walk OC is one of the oldest AIDS walks in the country and makes an immediate impact in the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS. In the last 8 years alone, AIDS Walk OC has raised more than $3 million to provide critically needed care for those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS.

“When you support AIDS Walk OC you are supporting programs that directly change the lives of people living with HIV and those most vulnerable,” said Phil Yaeger, executive director and CEO, Radiant Health Centers. “We are tremendously grateful for those who walk and donate to this annual event.”

Today, there are nearly 7,000 people living with HIV in Orange County, many of whom are underinsured or without health insurance. Radiant Health Centers provides a safe, stigma-free environment where they can receive medical care and comprehensive social services.

Join us at this year’s Walk in support of our mission and follow us online through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and by using the hashtag #AIDSWalkOC. Register to walk or donate at www.radianthealthcenters.org/awoc.

Event Details

When:

Saturday, June 1, 2019

  • Registration: 8:30 a.m.
  • Opening ceremony: 9 a.m.
  • Walk begins: 9:30 a.m.

Where:

Huntington Beach Boardwalk

Huntington Beach Street and Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, Calif.

What:

  • Family-friendly 5K walk
  • Fun Zone for kids and adults
  • Entertainment by Orange County Gay Men’s Chorus, Men Alive, Huntington Beach School of Rock and Ballet Folklorico Pasión Valparaiso
  • Vendor booths
  • Fun in the sun

About Radiant Health Centers

Radiant Health Centers has provided more than three decades of exceptional care and support to people affected by HIV and their loved ones. It has been instrumental in driving down new HIV transmissions over the past 15 years; however, 300 people are still diagnosed with HIV each year in Orange County.

Radiant Health Centers encompasses traditional HIV testing and prevention outreach as well as long-standing services to Orange County’s HIV-positive community while also creating a safe space to help more members of our LGBT community in need of compassionate care. 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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The Orange County Business Journal Honors Guita Sharifi with Outstanding CFO for a Not-for-Profit Organization

IRVINE, Calif. (Feb. 6, 2019) – Radiant Health Centers is thrilled to congratulate Guita Sharifi, chief financial officer Radiant Health Centers, for her award for Outstanding CFO of a Not-for-Profit Organization by the Orange County Business Journal.
Since Joining Radiant Health Centers in 2016, Sharifi guided Radiant Health Centers through significant growth— doubling Radiant Health Centers’ annual budget through earned income opportunities, cost containment and operational efficiencies.
“It is a true honor to receive such a well-known and respected award,” said Sharifi. “I am extremely proud to contribute to Radiant Health Centers’ continued success.”
Hosted by The Orange County Business Journal, the CFO of the Year Awards are presented annually in January to local-area financial professionals for their impact in the Orange County business community, as well as their exceptional leadership for the preceding fiscal year.
“Guita’s contribution to Radiant Health Centers has truly been invaluable,” said Phil Yaeger, executive director & CEO, Radiant Health Centers. “We are grateful for her guidance as we expand Radiant Health Centers’ medical services.”

Awards are presented in five categories: Outstanding CFO of a Public Company Award, Outstanding CFO of a Private Company Award, Outstanding CFO of a Not-for-Profit Organization Award, Outstanding Corporate Controller Award and Rising Star Award.

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 Annual Gala, Radiant Royale, Celebrates the Golden Era of Vegas

Jan. 26 fundraiser benefits the nonprofit’s services to the LGBTQ+ community and the men, women and children living with HIV
IRVINE, Calif. (Jan. 07, 2019)—Prepare for a fabulous evening with Radiant Health Centers on Jan. 26 at 5 p.m. at the Yost Theater in Santa Ana, at what is expected to be a sold-out event. The nonprofit will celebrate the golden age of Las Vegas—the 1950s and 1960s—at its 2019 Annual Gala: Radiant Royale.

Radiant Royale raises funds for Radiant Health Centers’ services for the LGBTQ+ community, and for the men, women and children living with HIV in Orange County.

“Last year’s event was an incredible success,” said Larry Will, Radiant Health Centers gala committee chair. “We are really looking forward to having a fabulous time at this year’s event and at the same time raise funds for a great cause.”

Every week almost six people are infected with HIV in Orange County. While HIV has become manageable, more people than ever are living with HIV in Orange County and must take costly medications every day for the rest of their lives while still facing great stigma.

“We are working hard to put an end to the HIV epidemic in Orange County,” said Phil Yaeger, executive director and CEO, Radiant Health Centers. “Our goal is zero new transmissions and zero stigma.”

Poverty, stigma, cultural misunderstandings and other health barriers have also led to heightened health risks in Orange County’s vulnerable LGBTQ+ population. HIV is just one of the most visible of those health inequities.

To improve health equity for the LGBTQ+ community, Radiant Health Centers is expanding its services to meet the unique needs and issues of the LGBTQ+ community and eradicate HIV/AIDS in Orange County.

In 2018, Radiant Health Centers launched mental health and food pantry services to qualifying members of Orange County’s LGBTQ+ community, along with transportation services to and from PrEP appointments, as well as removing barriers to access for no-questions-asked PEP prescriptions.

To purchase tickets and view corporate sponsorship levels and underwriting opportunities, see annual gala.

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 Center Announces Significant Gift from M.A.C. AIDS Fund to Bring Nutrition and Wellness to Those Affected by HIV and AIDS in Orange County

IRVINE, Calif. (Jan. 7, 2019)—Radiant Health Centers is proud to announce a significant gift of $25,000 from the M.A.C. AIDS Fund to support Radiant Health Centers’ Nutrition Services Program. The Nutrition Program serves men, women and children living with HIV in Orange County and was recently expanded to include members of the LGBTQ+ community who are experiencing food insecurity, regardless of HIV status.
“We are truly honored to receive this grant from the M.A.C. AIDS Fund,” said Phil Yaeger, executive director and CEO, Radiant Health Centers. “It will make an enormous difference in our community, helping some of our most vulnerable members get enough food on their plates.”
Stigma, poverty, cultural misunderstandings and other health barriers have led to heightened health risks in Orange County’s vulnerable LGBTQ+ population, including HIV. The food pantry provides a dependable source of nutritious food for not only Radiant Health Centers’ clients, but also their pets.

“Providing access to basic necessities like food, housing and healthcare is crucial to ending the HIV epidemic in Orange County,” said Yaeger. “If a person’s most basic needs are not met, managing an HIV diagnosis, including taking medication and accessing care on a consistent basis to keep HIV undetectable and untransmittable, may not be possible.”
Eligible clients pick up their food at Radiant Health Centers, and the nonprofit also delivers food to clients who do not have access to transportation or who are unable to pick up their own groceries.
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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Share the Love with Vulnerable Seniors This Year

Subaru Share The Love EventExciting news! For the eleventh year running, the Meals on Wheels network is participating in the Subaru Share the Love Event. Over the past ten years, Subaru and its retailers have helped Meals on Wheels to deliver nearly 2 million meals nationwide to seniors in need.

Why does Subaru support Meals on Wheels? Too many seniors are struggling to stay independent and healthy. One in four seniors lives alone in isolation and one in seven seniors might not know from where their next meal is coming. This is simply unacceptable, which is why Radiant Health Centers provides nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks to the seniors of Orange County. This vital support keeps seniors in their own homes, where they want to be.

We’re incredibly grateful to Subaru and its retailers for supporting our organization and the seniors we serve. With that in mind, we thought you might want to learn a little bit more about the Subaru Share the Love Event.

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS
This November 15, 2018, through January 2, 2019, for every new Subaru vehicle purchased or leased, Subaru will donate $250 to the customer’s choice of participating charities.* Meals on Wheels is one of four national participating charities and has been since the inception of the event. Through this event, as a member of Meals on Wheels America, Radiant Health Centers will receive a share of the donation from Subaru vehicles sold in California.

You might not be in the market to purchase a new car, but if you are, please look into the Subaru Share the Love Event to learn more. If you’re not shopping for a new vehicle, you can still help by spreading the word to your family and friends. A few quick and easy ways to do that:

  • Share this article!
  • Share our posts about Share the Love on Facebook: www.facebook.com/radianthealthoc
  • You can also do this on Twitter @radianthealthoc or Instagram @radianthealthoc.

And Remember: this holiday season you can ensure our senior neighbors are not forgotten, when you buy or lease a new Subaru and select Meals on Wheels as your charity of choice.

*Disclaimer: Subaru will donate $250 for every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased from November 15, 2018, through January 2, 2019, to four national charities designated by the purchaser or lessee. Pre-approved Hometown Charities may be selected for donation depending on retailer participation. Certain participating retailers may make an additional donation to the Hometown Charities selected. Purchasers/lessees must make their charity designations by January 31, 2019. The four national charities will receive a guaranteed minimum donation of $250,000 each. See your local Subaru retailer for details or visit subaru.com/share. All donations made by Subaru of America, Inc.

 

About Radiant Health Centers
Radiant Health Centers has provided more than three decades of exceptional care and support to people affected by HIV and their loved ones. It has been instrumental in driving new HIV transmissions down over the past 15 years; however, six people a week in Orange County are still diagnosed with HIV.

Radiant Health Centers encompasses traditional HIV testing and prevention outreach as well as long-standing services to Orange County’s HIV-positive community while also creating a safe space to help more members of our LGBTQ+ community in need of compassionate care. 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 Becomes a Certified Service Enterprise

Organization joins the top 11 percent of nonprofits nationwide in volunteer management and organizational performance.

Radiant Health Centers is pleased to announce that it has been certified as a Service Enterprise by Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service. Organizations that certify join the top 11 percent of nonprofits nationwide in volunteer management and organizational performance.

Certification signifies that organizations have the capability and management expertise to strategically use volunteers to improve the performance of their organization.

“The seal of achievement for Service Enterprise has empowered our growing organization to even more efficiently engage volunteers in all areas of client support and services,” said Guita Sharifi, chief financial officer at Radiant Health Centers. “We are very proud of this achievement because a Service Enterprise certification is a very prestigious accomplishment for an organization.”

Radiant Health Centers completed an extensive assessment, over 20 hours of training and coaching, and an extensive internal planning and change process to better integrate volunteers into its human capital strategy. By achieving this level of excellence and certification, Radiant Health Centers is now even better equipped to leverage the time and talent of volunteers to meet its mission.
“Becoming a Service Enterprise has revitalized our volunteer program and better prepared us for the organization-wide expansion to our increased client services and programs,” said Tammy Nguyen, Volunteer Coordinator at Radiant Health Centers. “We received the much-appreciated guidance to reflect on our volunteer program and make the improvements necessary to evolve and improve our program.”

About Radiant Health Centers

Radiant Health Centers has provided more than three decades of exceptional care and support to people affected by HIV and their loved ones. It has been instrumental in driving new HIV transmissions down over the past 15 years; however, six people a week in Orange County are still diagnosed with HIV.

Radiant Health Centers encompasses traditional HIV testing and prevention outreach as well as long-standing services to Orange County’s HIV positive community while also creating a safe space to help more members of our LGBTQ+ community in need of compassionate care. 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 Gears Up For 9th Annual Orange County Ride for AIDS

Proceeds will benefit the services and programs that support people living with HIV in Orange County

Annual Ride for AIDS logoIRVINE, Calif. (Sept. 24, 2018)– This fall, Radiant Health Centers is encouraging the Orange County community to grab its cycling gear for a good cause on Saturday, Oct. 27 at its 9thannual Orange County Ride for AIDS. The event, which will take place at the Civic Center Plaza in Irvine, Calif., is Radiant Health Centers’ one-day weekend ride that helps raise funds to support the organization’s services and programs offered to those living with HIV in the community.

This year’s ride offers four routes that include 10-mile (Kid Friendly) and 30-mile (Fun Ride) routes that start at 9:30 a.m., and 62-mile (Metric Century) and 100-mile (Century Ride) routes that start at 7 a.m. Riders will cycle past stunning vistas and the iconic scenery that makes up Orange County. The $50 registration fee will launch each rider’s fundraising effort toward their required goal of $125.

“Each year we receive an overwhelming amount of love and support at OCRA,” said Phil Yaeger, CEO and executive director, Radiant Health Centers. “We couldn’t be more thankful for the community’s support and advocacy to end the HIV epidemic in Orange County. The lifesaving programs and services we offer wouldn’t be possible without it.”

There are nearly 7,000 people living with HIV in Orange County today, which is enough to fill the Orange County Fairgrounds Grandstand. While it is no longer a life sentence, people with HIV must take costly medications every day for the rest of their lives and face great stigma. Many will require mental health services and support to cope with this stressful and isolating diagnosis. That’s why events like OCRA are crucial for raising funds to help those living with HIV and their families.

For more information and to register, visit www.OCRideforAIDS.com.

 

About Radiant Health Centers
Radiant Health Centers has provided more than three decades of exceptional care and support to people affected by HIV and their loved ones. It has been instrumental in driving new HIV transmissions down over the past 15 years; however, six people a week in Orange County are still diagnosed with HIV.

Radiant Health Centers encompasses traditional HIV testing and prevention outreach as well as long-standing services to Orange County’s HIV-positive community while also creating a safe space to help more members of our LGBTQ+ community in need of compassionate care. 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 CEO Speaks Out on Today’s Supreme Court Ruling

Media contact:

Sandra Wellhausen
swellhausen@wrightoncomm.com
C: 619-245-8866

IRVINE, Calif. (June 4, 2018) – Today the U.S. Supreme Court narrowly ruled against the Colorado Civil Rights Commission in a case where a baker refused to make a wedding cake for an LGBTQ couple citing religious beliefs.

In this particular case, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled based on concerns unique to this case and ruled that the Colorado Civil Rights Commission’s handling of this case was flawed but reaffirmed the equal rights of the LGBTQ plus community to be free from discrimination.

While this ruling does not change the LGBTQ community’s basic civil rights, it is a setback at the Supreme Court for the LGBTQ community. This ruling will give same-sex couples more reasons to fear that businesses won’t always welcome them or serve them.

“As an organization that cares for all people in our community with compassion, empathy and respect, we will not let this ruling slow us down,” said Phil Yaeger, executive director and CEO, Radiant Health Centers. “We will continue to support and fight for equal rights for our LGBTQ plus community. While our mission is focused on advancing the unique health needs of our LGBTQ plus community, we see discrimination in any professional setting—from bakeries to doctors’ offices—as harmful to the health of Orange County.”

Already four in 10 youths say the community they live in is not accepting of LGBT people, and members the LGBT community are more likely to attempt suicide.

In the healthcare setting alone, almost 9,000  LGBTQ residents of Orange County are without health insurance, and many live at or below the poverty level so even basic healthcare is out of reach, let alone HIV prevention or suppression medications and mental or behavioral health counseling.

“To truly create a healthy Orange County for all, we need the discrimination against our LGBTQ plus community to end,” said Yaeger. “Today’s ruling is unfortunately a step in the wrong direction.”

About Radiant Health Centers

Radiant Health Centers has provided more than three decades of exceptional care and support to people affected by HIV and their loved ones. It has been instrumental in driving new HIV transmissions down over the past 15 years; however, six people a week in Orange County are still diagnosed with HIV.

Radiant Health Centers encompasses traditional HIV testing and prevention outreach as well as long-standing services to Orange County’s HIV positive community while also creating a safe space to help more members of our LGBT community in need of compassionate care. Learn more at www.radianthealthcenters.org.

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Radiant Health Centers presents Stairway to the Stars gala with special celebrity guests

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

Fundraiser benefits the nonprofit’s expansion of health services to entire LGBTQ community

IRVINE, Calif. – Prepare for a magical, history-making night filled with entertainment and inspiration on June 2 from 6 to 10 p.m. as singer-songwriter and Tony award-winning actor Levi Kreis and actor and comedian Jason Stuart headline Radiant Health Centers’ Stairway to the Stars gala. The event takes place at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel.

Stairway to the Stars raises funds for Radiant Health Centers’ expansion of health services to the entire LGBTQ community, while maintaining its long-standing commitment to end the HIV epidemic in Orange County.

Renowned singer and songwriter Levi Kreis will revive some of his best-known stage performances, perform original songs and share some of his personal journey as a gay man. Kreis has starred in the national tour of RENT and played and performed as Jerry Lee Lewis in Broadway’s Million Dollar Quartet, for which he won a Tony Award.

Jason Stuart, a well-known actor and stand-up comedian, who is widely known for starring on shows including The Closer, Will & Grace and House, M.D., will perform skits from his acclaimed standup comedy routine.

The Human Rights Campaign, the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer civil rights organization; will be honored at the event with an award for its groundbreaking work to improve health equity for the LGBTQ community.

“Stairway to the Stars will raise funds to build a dedicated LGBTQ health center and create a healthy Orange County for all,” said David Piazza, Chief Development Officer, Radiant Health Centers. “Through our 33 years serving the community, we have seen first-hand how stigma, poverty, cultural misunderstandings and other health barriers have led to heighted health risks in Orange County’s vulnerable LGBTQ population.”

“This is a very special and important event for Radiant Health Centers and we consider it an honor to be able to share it with the Human Rights Campaign,” said Piazza. “The advancements in LGBTQ rights that HRC has achieved over the years is simply amazing.”

More than 12,000 LGBTQ residents of Orange County are underinsured, or without health insurance, and many live at or below the poverty level so even basic healthcare is out of reach, let alone HIV prevention or suppression medications and mental or behavioral health counseling.

To eradicate HIV/AIDS in Orange County and to improve health equity for the LGBTQ community, Radiant Health Centers is raising funds to expand and offer medical services specialized to meeting the unique needs and issues of the LGBTQ community.

Radiant Health Centers’ medical center will become a one-stop shop for medical and dental needs, counseling services, and easy access to medications through an onsite pharmacy.

To join in the fun at Stairway to the Stars and support the cause of LGBTQ health in Orange County, visit www.radianthealthcenters.org or contact David Piazza at (949) 809-5733 or DPiazza@radianthealthcenters.org.

About Radiant Health Centers

Radiant Health Centers has provided more than three decades of exceptional care and support to people affected by HIV and their loved ones. It has been instrumental in driving new HIV transmissions down over the past 15 years; however, six people a week in Orange County are still diagnosed with HIV.

Radiant Health Centers encompasses traditional HIV testing and prevention outreach as well as long-standing services to Orange County’s HIV positive community while also creating a safe space to help more members of our LGBT community in need of compassionate care. Learn more at www.radianthealthcenters.org.

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