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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Sandra Wellhausen
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