Open Door Health: opening march 2
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hile RI has among the highest rates of health insurance coverage in the nation, there is still a disparity in access to care and healthcare utilization for the RI LGBTQ population. RI has among the highest percentage of LGBTQ individuals, yet this population disproportionately experiences poor health outcomes for many chronic and infectious diseases, and mental health. Discrimination and stigma, along with inequitable access to culturally competent care services, cause many LGBTQ individuals not to seek care, to receive inadequate care, or to travel out of Rhode Island to seek care. Located at 7 Central Street in Providence, Open Door Health (ODH) is a program of the RI Public Health Institute (RIPHI) that aims to be an LGBTQ Center of Excellence, providing high-quality, culturally congruent healthcare to RI’s LGBTQ population. ODH’s work is driven by RIPHI’s approach to integrating efforts to advance community health, reduce health disparities, develop innovative programs, and train the public health workforce. ODH will begin by offering express HIV, sexually transmitted
by Dr. Amy Nunn and Dr. Philip Chan disease (STD), and hepatitis C (HCV) screening, given the disproportionate burden among this community. This express screening model is informed by the Dean Street Express Clinic, an LGBTQ health center in London. Patients will receive timely preventative health screenings and follow-up. Patients who require follow up will receive priority appointment slots, as will members of priority populations with greater disease burden. ODH will also provide an important gateway into primary care services and substance use treatment for LGBTQ populations. RIPHI’s team has a strong background in program development, evaluation, and providing clinical services for LGBTQ clients. Both Dr. Amy Nunn, RIPHI’s Executive Director, and Dr. Philip Chan, RIPHI’s Medical Director, have local and national reputations for their novel work with the LGBTQ community. They also have extensive experience conducting research and training health professionals, two services ODH will offer with the goal of improving LGBTQ health. For more info about Open Door Health, visit odhpvd.org. For more info about the Rhode Island Public Health Institute, visit riphi.org.
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hode Island Pride is excited to announce that it will begin accepting applications through its website, PrideRI.org, for PrideFest sponsors, vendors, Parade participants, and, of course, volunteers! We can't make Pride happen without your help. As we approach our big 50th anniversary in 2026, we've begun gearing up in very big ways, and we have a number of surprises in store for you this year. Folx will see and experience new efforts to broaden our scope and reach to be more inclusive of those who have been historically left out due to marginalization and inaccessibility. Our efforts will culminate in the opening of a brand new LGBTQIA+ Community Center shortly after PrideFest later this year. Options readers are encouraged to nominate worthy community leaders to serve as this year’s Grand Marshal, and to submit their best ideas for this year's
PrideFest theme at tinyurl.com/RIPrideTheme2020. Follow Rhode Island Pride on Facebook to get news about upcoming events, like the 20th Anniversary RI Pride Goddess Show on March 1 and the PrideFest Theme Reveal on March 6. PrideFest will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2020 along South Water Street in Downtown Providence, culminating with our city's world-famous Illuminated Night Pride Parade, which steps off in front of Providence City Hall at 8:30pm. by Ray Sirico Rhode Island Pride is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting the visibility, equality, and diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, and providing a safe space to come out, express, and celebrate all sexual identities and genders. For more information, visit www. prideri.com, email info@prideri.com, or call (401) 467-2130.
optionsri.org
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