In a significant step toward improving healthcare access for the LGBTQ+ community in South Jersey, Cooper University Health Care has opened a new Center for LGBTQ+ Health in Collingswood, NJ. This new facility is dedicated to providing comprehensive, inclusive healthcare services tailored specifically to the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals and their families.
A Safe and Affirming Environment
The Center for LGBTQ+ Health at Cooper aims to create a welcoming space where patients feel safe and understood. Led by Dr. Justin Schweitzer and physician assistant S. Ryan Kirker, both members of the LGBTQ+ community, the center offers a range of primary care services, including wellness visits, vaccinations, and routine health care. The team at the center emphasizes the importance of using patients’ preferred pronouns and chosen names, ensuring that care is always gender-affirming and individualized.
Addressing Healthcare Discrimination
Healthcare avoidance due to discrimination is a significant issue for many LGBTQ+ individuals. Nearly half of the LGBTQ+ population in the U.S. has experienced some form of healthcare discrimination, which can deter them from seeking necessary medical care. The new Collingswood center aims to break down these barriers by providing specialized care in a supportive environment. The staff is trained to understand and advocate for the unique health needs of the LGBTQ+ community, helping to build trust and improve health outcomes .
Comprehensive Services
The Collingswood center offers a wide array of services, including:
- Primary Care: Routine check-ups, wellness visits, and vaccinations.
- Gender-Affirming Care: Hormone therapy, puberty suppression for minors (with parental consent), and future plans for gender-affirming surgeries.
- HIV Prevention and Care: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
- Mental Health Services: Addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and eating disorders, which are prevalent in the LGBTQ+ community.
Community Support and Future Plans
The grand opening celebration of the center was marked by a fundraising gala that raised $115,000 for LGBTQ+ health initiatives. The event highlighted the community’s support and the critical need for such facilities. The center’s location in Collingswood, a diverse and LGBTQ+ friendly community, was strategically chosen to enhance accessibility and foster a culture of inclusivity and acceptance.
Looking ahead, the center plans to expand its services to include more specialized care options, such as mental health and plastic surgery services. This expansion is part of Cooper University Health Care’s broader commitment to providing equitable and affirming care for all patients, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity .
The opening of the Center for LGBTQ+ Health at Cooper in Collingswood represents a significant advancement in healthcare for the LGBTQ+ community in South Jersey. It underscores Cooper’s dedication to breaking down barriers and ensuring that all individuals have access to the high-quality, compassionate care they deserve.