Pride in our health

Parades, parties, rallies and weddings; its San Diego Pride!

On the heels of historic events in the gay rights movement, hundreds of thousands of people will descend on Hillcrest for a celebration unlike anything seen in the event’s 39 year history.

Whether you plan to see George Takei at the Spirit of Stonewall Rally, march in the San Diego LGBT Pride Parade, marry the one you love, or roam the festival, it is sure to be epic.

In the midst of all the wonderful activity, be sure to keep an eye out for Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD). Our healthcare outreach team will be on the streets and at our festival booth with information on how to care for yourself, your partner or spouse, and your family this weekend and beyond.

FHCSD has participated in San Diego Pride for years and has been committed to providing care and services to the LGBT community for decades. Pride is a great opportunity to educate the community on the importance of health and wellness. Or, as we like to say, taking pride in your health.

Taking pride in your health is more than going to the doctor when you’re sick. It’s managing your health appropriately throughout the year.

There isn’t a one size fits all formula for individual needs, but coming out to your provider is a great first step to determine your best path forward.

At FHCSD, we provide caring, affordable, high quality healthcare to everyone. Our system of care is one of the largest in the nation and has had a long time commitment to providing culturally competent healthcare to the LGBT community.

Primary care health centers are the foundation of personal health and wellness. North Park Family Health Center at 3544 30th Street has become a central point of care for many of our LGBT patients. But, like the LGBT community, we are also located in communities across San Diego including, Chula Vista, City Heights, Diamond Neighborhoods, El Cajon, Lemon Grove, Logan Heights and Spring Valley.

North Park Family Health Center is co-located with North Park Dental Clinic, Ciaccio Memorial Clinic and North Park Pediatric Clinic and Development Center.

Adults, teens and children are welcome at all our primary care health centers including North Park Family Health Center.

At Pride, we always notice certain healthcare subjects get a lot of attention.

Sexual health is always number one. For patients concerned with sexual health, we offer a variety of support both inside and outside of our primary care health centers. FHCSD is the largest provider of HIV and STD prevention, testing, treatment and care services in San Diego County. The Tuesday/Thursday Night Clinic in North Park is tailored to the needs of gay and transgender individuals. To find a HIV or STD testing location near you, visit gaymenshealth.org or call 619-515-2449.

Unfortunately, alcohol and drug abuse is another area of great concern in the community. But, taking pride in your health means addressing real issues with real solutions.

According to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a variety of research studies suggest that rates of alcohol and substance abuse may be as high 30 percent in the LGBT community; much higher than the estimated national average of 9 percent. In addition, SAMHSA notes that only 6 percent of surveyed treatment facilities have specialized groups for people who are LGBT.

Through our Outpatient Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment Services, FHCSD offers both individual and group support services designed to meet the specific needs of members of the LGBT community. The program also provides services to people who are living with HIV, another historically underserved community.

As we all know, the community is seeing more and more babies every year!

For children, we provide comprehensive pediatric services including sick visits, well child exams, immunizations, school/sports physicals, pediatric development screenings, early childhood interventions, speech and language evaluation/therapy and more. In addition, we operate a Teen Health Center to address the unique needs of adolescent youth.

Women’s Health is a key focus area for FHCSD too. We offer a comprehensive array of women’s health services in all our clinics.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, lesbian and bi-sexual women have more risk factors leading to heart disease, cancer, depression and anxiety than other women. This is a sad statistic that with proper health and wellness management can be reversed.

From all of us at FHCSD, we wish you a happy, safe and healthy Pride!

For more information about FHCSD, please visit our Web site at fhcsd.org. To schedule an appointment or ask about services, please call 619-515-2300.