Improving LGBT Healthcare Access In Richmond

GayRVA Staff
GayRVA Staff
February 25, 2011

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The Richmond Business Alliance (RBA) and Fan Free Clinic (FFC) are partnering to develop a comprehensive directory of medical service providers sensitive to the needs of the LGBT community.

Karen Legato, Fan Free Clinic Executive Director, cites the need for access to care.

“LGBT persons often contact Fan Free Clinic seeking to find a medical provider in the community that is non-judgmental and welcoming. Unfortunately, we are unable to confidently recommend any medical providers outside of those specializing in the treatment of HIV,” Legato says.

The RBA and FFC hope to identify needs of the LGBT community by conducting a survey that will be available online. The survey asks LGBT-persons about their experiences good and bad with local healthcare professionals.

This survey will also be distributed to those without Internet access at the RBA networking event on March 22 at the Aloft Richmond West. In addition, FFC, the Gay Community Center of Richmond, and both locations of Diversity Thrift will house hardcopies of the survey through the end of April.

After the survey is completed, Fan Free Clinic will analyze the findings to develop criteria, training and tools for medical professionals and their support staff to create inclusive environments and ultimately provide better healthcare.

Providers that meet these standards will be included in a supplemental listing available via RichmondBusinessAlliance.com.

Also, this program will allow Fan Free Clinic to provide a larger network of care sensitive to the needs of their LGBT clients.

In 1970, Fan Free Clinic opened as the first free clinic in Virginia. Today, it provides medical treatment, health education and outreach, HIV/AIDS testing and client support services to those in the Richmond area with limited access to care. Fan Free Clinic places special emphasis on welcoming the least served.

Richmond Business Alliance was founded in 2010 to support LGBT-owned and friendly businesses in Central Virginia through its online directory and networking events. The next event is March 22 at the Aloft Richmond West and will highlight health & wellness vendors. For more information on table registration visit RichmondBusinessAlliance.com. The program is co-managed by the Gay Community Center of Richmond and GayRVA.com.