In recognition of the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community, RWJBarnabas Health will have a number of programs and initiatives during Pride Month this June.
RWJBH officials have long taken pride in being New Jersey’s leader in providing comprehensive services and care for LGBTQ+ individuals, including specialized primary care and care navigation services for LGBTQ+ adults at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset’s Babs Siperstein PROUD Center; Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital’s PROUD Gender Center in New Brunswick; and the PROUD Center at Community Medical Center in Toms River.
Thirteen RWJBH hospitals have been recognized by the Human Rights Campaign as Leaders in LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equity.
Here’s a look at some of the programs taking place:
- Thursday (noon to 1 p.m.): Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center is holding “CBMC Body Standards and Mental Health for the LGBTQ+ Community,” a virtual discussion featuring Sam Leicht, a vlogger and founder of LGBTQ+ fitness app Pridefit. This online webinar is open to the public and features a discussion addressing the “body builder” ideal body image in the gay male community. To join the Zoom discussion, click here. (Meeting ID: 988 3345 0827; Passcode: PRIDE24.)
- Saturday (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.): Clara Maass Medical Center and Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center participate in Out Montclair’s Montclair Pride Festival in downtown Montclair, at the intersection of Bloomfield and Fullerton avenues. This event honors diversity, inclusion and love. This sprawling event spans five blocks in downtown Montclair, just steps from New Jersey Transit.
- Sunday (noon to 6 p.m.) Join Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway, the Medical Group and Trinitas Regional Medical Center at North Jersey Pride Festival at Memorial Park, 580 Valley St., Maplewood.
- Wednesday (6 to 8 p.m.): RWJBarnabas Health’s Institute for Prevention and Recovery and the Proud Youth Prevention Network host “Affirming you: A Free Evening for LGBTQ+ Youth” at the Clarion Hotel, 815 Route 37, Toms River. The event is an opportunity for LGBTQ+ youth to connect and celebrate each other and themselves. Staff from Hello Honey Hair Salon in Montclair will present a workshop and brief consultations on makeup and hair techniques that capture a person’s sense of self. Attendees will also enjoy a clothing swap, sneaker decorating, visiting with community partners and more. Youth between the ages of 11 and 18 are encouraged to attend with adult/guardian present. Registration is required.
- June 15 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.): RWJBarnabas Health’s Institute for Prevention and Recovery and Community Medical Center will be at Tom’s River Pride, held at Washington Street in downtown Toms River.
- June 18 (6:35 p.m.): Join RWJUH Somerset’s PROUD Employee Business Resource Group as it hosts Pride Night at the Somerset Patriots at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater.
- June 20 (1 to 2 pm): Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton presents “LGBTQ+ Breast/Chest Health,” a presentation that covers the basics of breast cancer as it relates to the LGBTQ+ community. Screening guidelines, health disparities, diet and lifestyle and genetic counseling will be discussed. To register, call 609-584-5900 or email CommunityEdHAM@rwjbh.org.
- July 14 (noon): Newark Beth Israel Medical Center joins the community for the 19th annual Newark LGBTQ Pride Parade, from Lincoln Park to Harriett Tubman Square in Newark.
- Aug. 24 (1 to 9 p.m.): Jersey City Medical Center will participate in the 23rd Anniversary Jersey City LGBTQ+ PRIDE Festival, 325 Grove St., Jersey City.
