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Our team of five referral coordinators play a key role in guiding both patients and healthcare providers.
Together, Empowering Our Patients
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SFCHC’s LaVida Care program proudly supports the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s national campaign called “Let’s Stop HIV Together.” This initiative empowers communities, partners and healthcare providers to reduce HIV stigma and promote HIV testing, prevention and treatment.
During Pride Month, an observance in June celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community, our LaVida Care program hosted a “Pizza n’ HIV Testing Day” on June 27 from 10 a.m. to noon in front of the clinic. Individuals received HIV rapid tests and at-home test kits to encourage self-care and informed health choices.
Over the last two years, LaVida Care has enrolled 149 patients, of which 75% are new to treatment. To ensure access to care, the program has partnered with the California Department of Public Health for the PrEP-Assistance Program (PrEP-AP), which covers costs for uninsured individuals, minors and those with confidentiality concerns. To date, 27% of patients are enrolled in PrEP-AP and 128 have received at-home HIV rapid tests free of charge. Individuals are also connected to primary care, dental and behavioral health services.
Our SFCHC LaVida Care team has participated in various other outreach events, including SFV Pride, DTLA Proud, YMCA Social Impact Center, CSUN Justice and Wellness Fair and more. Recognized by Los Angeles County and other organizations for its rapid growth and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, LaVida Care has garnered positive reviews from patients and the community.
The success of the program is attributed to the collaborative efforts of the entire program team, including HIV Program Director Dr. Christopher Angara, PharmD; Family Nurse Practitioner Jenifer Sullivan, MSN, FNP-C, RNC-OB; Care Coordinator Matthew Martinez; Clinical Director of Adult Medicine Dr. Vishaal Buch, MD.; former HIV Care Coordinator Ana Carlos; former HIV Test Counselor Edgar Banuelos.
Our LaVida Care team is honored to share this message from one of our patients, Ramon G.:
“I have had many care physicians, but none have surpassed the attentiveness and care of the staff at LaVida Care. It has been amazing to have doctors who can relate and be sensitive to LGBTQ health issues and possess the knowledge of the community to offer the best options for my health choices. Their nonjudgmental support and approach have created a safe space for me to be as open as possible to address my healthcare needs. I am very grateful I am part of this clinic.”
All are invited to connect with LaVida Care through Instagram or Facebook and spread the word about our program to friends and family.
@lavidacare.sfchc
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