Pride Month Spotlight: Health Brigade Free Clinic

Founded in 1970, Health Brigade is a free medical clinic focused on providing health services to those least served in a caring and non-judgmental environment. Today, the clinic offers comprehensive healthcare services to an often under-resourced, vulnerable population, including members of the LGBTQ+ community.

One of the tools Health Brigade uses to expand access to care in their communities is Doximity Dialer. With Doximity, patients can communicate with clinicians on their preferred smartphone or computer without having to download a separate app.  Two years ago, Health Brigade chose Doximity Dialer over other options due to its user-friendly features for clinicians and patients, along with its effortless one-click functionality that doesn't require sign-in. 

Benefits of telehealth for the LGBTQ+ community

Telehealth can serve as a  useful clinical tool for the LGBTQ+ community for a number of reasons. Some key benefits of telehealth include its capacity to:

Remove geographical barriers. 

This is especially significant for the LGBTQ+ community, as individuals in rural areas may lack access to healthcare professionals with the cultural competency or expertise in LGBTQ+ health. Telehealth enables LGBTQ+ patients to connect with knowledgeable and affirming healthcare professionals regardless of their physical location, eliminating the need to travel long distances for medical support. For example, for transgender individuals, accessing gender-affirming care and hormone therapy initiation and monitoring is critical, and telehealth can help increase continuity of care for patients on this  journey.  

Maintain privacy and confidentiality.

For some LGBTQ+ patients, traditional in-person visits can create anxiety or fear of being judged or discriminated against by healthcare providers or other patients. Telehealth offers these patients the ability to receive healthcare services discreetly from a safe and comfortable location. Virtual appointments in a safe space can foster a sense of security, allowing patients to open up more freely about their concerns and medical history, ultimately leading to more effective treatment plans.

Access mental health support.

LGBTQ+ youth often have difficulty accessing mental health treatment. Telehealth can make mental health services more accessible and immediate. Online therapy sessions and virtual support groups can provide LGBTQ+ individuals a sense of community and a safe, affirming space to discuss their mental health concerns.  

“It’s clear that telehealth can help reduce anxiety and provide a level of comfort for those who may have felt overlooked, diminished or stigmatized in the past,” said a medical nurse practitioner at Health Brigade. They pointed out that many of Health Brigade’s patients enjoy the Doximity telehealth option, which has been especially popular with patients in its PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) program, which consists of a large population of the LGBTQ+ community.  PrEP is prescribed to people who are at high risk of contracting HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).  

Since the early days of the pandemic, telehealth has emerged as a game-changer for healthcare delivery, and its benefits for the LGBTQ+ community continue to emerge. By overcoming geographical barriers, enhancing privacy and confidentiality, connecting with LGBTQ+-competent providers, offering mental health support, and facilitating gender-affirming care, telehealth has transformed healthcare accessibility and inclusivity for LGBTQ+ individuals. As we continue to embrace technology and foster an inclusive healthcare environment, telehealth will continue to play a pivotal role in improving the lives and well-being of those in the LGBTQ+ community.