Less than two months after opening, AtlantiCare’s Primary & LGBTQ+ Care Center recently celebrated its 250-patient milestone.
At a private event, approximately 30 AtlantiCare leaders and stakeholders marked the center’s progress during an open house that immersed them in the ways AtlantiCare is working to reach, treat and support a continuum of health for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Kirby Delgado, LGBTQ+ support services navigator, who has been serving as the liaison between LGBTQ+ patients and services provided by AtlantiCare throughout the community for approximately two years — was one of the hosts of the event.
Dr. B.J. Howard, who relocated to the area to serve as medical director of the center, said serving the LGBTQ+ community and provide gender-affirming care is impactful.
“As a primary care doctor, I treat all people with varying medical needs and, thanks to AtlantiCare’s commitment to serving the underserved, I can also take special care of people in the LGBTQ+ community,” he said.
“My colleagues here at AtlantiCare truly care about the underserved. You can tell when that commitment is real or if it’s just checking a box. At AtlantiCare, it’s real. My passion and the organization’s align, and I am excited to help lead the Primary & LGBTQ+ Care Center, to meet patients were they are and be part of AtlantiCare’s passion for meeting the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community with gender-affirming care.”
Since 2011, AtlantiCare has been designated by the Human Rights Campaign as Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality in its Healthcare Equality Index, recognizing its commitment to providing equitable, inclusive care for LGBTQ patients and their families.
A first of its kind in Atlantic and Cape May counties, AtlantiCare’s Primary & LGBTQ+ Care Center (located at 3830 Atlantic Ave. in Atlantic City) focuses on providing primary care and LGBTQ+ health navigation while addressing some of the more critical needs of the community. Services include gender-affirming hormonal treatment; gender-affirming pre-op screen/documentation support; sexual health education; STI education, screening and treatment; PrEP, PEP and HIV management; preventative care; and more. Telehealth services are also available.
The center (open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday) is accepting new patients. For more information or to schedule an appointment, individuals can call the office at 609-345-6000 or the AtlantiCare Access Center at 888-569-1000, or visit AtlantiCare.org.
