News

Actions

Henry Ford Health System partners with non-profit to provide health services for LGBTQ community

Posted at 6:36 PM, Aug 23, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-23 20:59:14-04

Henry Ford Health System wants to see that those in the LGBTQ community receive the care they need. A new partnership with Ruth Ellis Center will help make that happens for hundreds of young people in metro Detroit. 

"Last year, more than 500 LGBTQ young people relied on the Ruth Ellis Center for everything from a hot meal, to showers, to supplies to additional food hat they could take home, peer support to just having a safe place to be off the street and be themselves," said Jerry Peterson, executive director of the non-profit during the announcement of the partnership. 

The list now includes the care of doctors, who will provide their services two days a week at the center's renovated facility in Highland Park.

"We are going to provide incredibly valuable services here at this center," said Nancy Schlichting, CEO of Henry Ford Health System. "In addition to primary care services, doctors will be available for general visits for both short and long term medical issues, STD testing, treatment and prevention, HIV testing, treatment and prevention and transition care for transgender youth and more," Schlichting said.

The hospital's mobile clinic currently provides services, but soon, the doctor will be in two days a week in a comfortable place for the community.

"Let's bring care to where young people already are, let's provide services in a space where they already feel safe, let's provide the services that are relevant to their needs." said Maureen Connolly, a pediatric physician who will take the lead care giving role with the partnership.