“Rhode Island is one of 13 states in the union that doesn’t have an LGBT health clinic that focuses on serving the LGBT population as a core function of its mission,” Dr. Amy Nunn told Providence Monthly.
That is until late 2019 or early 2020 when Nunn, executive director of Open Door Health, and her team will open their doors at 7 Central Street in Providence.
“Open Door Health will provide affirming services for all Rhode Islanders, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender expression, race or ethnicity, or ability to pay,” stated Nunn in a recent Rhode Island Public Health Institute (RIPH) press release. “Our name says it all. Our door is open.”
Through the new LGBTQA-client-focused faculty, RIPH will provide primary care as well as express HIV, sexually transmitted infection (STI) and hepatitis C (HCV) screenings, along with other services. The goal, as stated in the release, is “to improve the health and quality of life for members of RI’s LGBTQ population, which faces disparities in access to care and health outcomes.”
Notes Providence Monthly:
The center [will be] open to everyone—LGBT and non-LGBT people alike—from all backgrounds, age groups, and socioeconomic statuses. The clinic is special because while they do accept insurance, no one will be denied services because of their inability to pay. “We think that services are important and we really want to offer a safe harbor for all people. We will bill whenever possible, but that will not be a prerequisite for receiving services,” says Dr. Nunn. At this time, she says the clinic is still working out the policies for those who are unable to pay.
Open Door Health is an important asset to the state not only because of the services it provides, but for the way that the staff will care for patients. Members of the LGBT community can face discrimination or be misgendered by a healthcare provider, but, says Dr. Chan, “All staff at Open Door Health will have experience working with the LGBT community, including using proper terms to identify people.” Dr. Nunn adds that along this vein, they will try to hire LGBT staff.
For more, visit riphi.org or odhpvd.org.
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