Irvine Social Services for LGBTQ+ Health and HIV Care

As part of our commitment to improving the health of Orange County’s LGBTQ+ community, Radiant Health Centers offers a wide range of social services. Our goal is to connect clients with case managers to provide a continuum of care. This includes medical care, financial assistance, housing resources, nutrition support, individual counseling, group counseling and even transportation services.

Improving LGBTQ+ Health Outcomes With Social Services

Many in the LGBTQ+ community face barriers to accessing health and social services. At Radiant Health Centers we put social protections in place where they are needed most, and remove the hurdles that may be frequently encountered. This means our social care services are easy to access, free from discrimination – and delivered by knowledgeable and compassionate providers.

Social Services We Provide at Radiant Health Centers

Radiant Health Centers aims to deliver the necessary social services that contribute to improved health. Services are free to those who qualify. Clients with health insurance can also access social services, but will need to provide their health insurance provider information. The main social services we offer include the following.

Case Management

Clients of Radiant Health Centers are appointed a case manager to assist with their overall health and wellness. A case manager’s role is to support clients and reduce the friction in securing valuable social services such as housing, transportation and benefits. To qualify for assistance, clients must undergo an assessment to determine their needs and eligibility.

Our case managers can help with:

• Support in accessing and navigating medical care
• Food pantry
• Mental health counseling
• Housing
• Benefits assistance
• Medication assistance

Benefits Counseling

There are several benefits available to the most vulnerable within the LGBTQ+ community. Sadly, when individuals experience difficulties accessing these benefits (due to discrimination or negative experiences), it can cause a reluctance to seek care at all, causing even more suffering. With the help of assistance programs for healthcare, mental health and drug rehabilitation, clients have a safety net that helps them pursue improved health and wellness.

Benefits counselors can help you with:

• Enroll in Covered California
• Enroll in ADAP (AIDS Drug Assistance Program)
• Enroll in PrEP assistance program
• Health insurance enrollment
• Co-pay assistance
• Health insurance premiums assistance
• Mental health co-pay assistance

Food Pantry & Nutritional Program

Good nutrition is the foundation of health and well-being. Unfortunately, many within the Orange County LGBTQ+ community struggle to access a consistent source of vitamins and dietary supplements. As part of the social services program at Radiant Health Centers, Orange County residents who are HIV+ or living with a disability – and have an income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level – can use the food pantry services.

Eligible clients can receive assistance with groceries, prepared meals, vitamins and dietary supplements. Medically tailored meals are available for those with special health needs. In addition, clients can receive nutritional counseling from our registered dietitian.

Tuesday – 12 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday – 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Thursday – 12 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Friday – 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday & Monday – Closed

Housing Assistance

Radiant Health Centers provides a range of housing-related services. Eligible clients can receive financial assistance for rent, mortgage payments, utilities, rental deposits, emergency housing and short-term supportive housing.

People experiencing housing insecurity regardless of HIV status, and may have short-term or long-term requirements. Therefore, case managers work with many organizations to meet individual needs. Some of the available options include:

• Emergency financial assistance
• Utility assistance
• Short-Term Assistance for Rent (STAR)
• Rental and utility deposit assistance
• Short-term supportive housing
• Rental Assistance Program (RAP)

Transportation

At Radiant Health Centers, we recognize that transportation to and from appointments can be challenging. From disability issues to accessing funds, attending important appointments won’t always be easy. To meet these challenges, we provide eligible clients with bus passes, access coupons, van service and rideshare options.

Attending medical appointments is a critical part of maintaining good health. An open dialogue with your case manager can ensure transportation obstacles are prevented when they arise.

Common Questions About Social Services

Why is good nutrition so important for those living with HIV?

Good nutrition can help a person living with HIV maintain a healthy weight, absorb medicine, plus strengthen their immune system.

Can mental health services benefit people living with HIV?

Yes. Mental health programs are an important part of our social services. Individual or group programs help those who are HIV+ and others in the LGBTQ+ community overcome many common mental health challenges.

Is it unlawful to discriminate against an LGBTQ+ individual when renting a property?

The United States Fair Housing Act prevents sexual orientation-based discrimination in the rental or sale of a property. Clients can speak with their case manager if they have faced discrimination, intimidation or coercion while attempting to secure housing.

Orange County’s Leading Provider of LGBTQ+ Social Services

Radiant Health Centers provides social services for people living with HIV and others in the LGBTQ+ community. To access our social services, HIV and STD testing or counseling, contact us today. Call (949) 809-5700  or request an appointment now.