LifeBridge Health Opens AffirmCare, a New LGBTQIA+-Focused Clinic for Primary Care
Baltimore - LifeBridge Health is proud to announce the opening of a new LGBTQIA+ focused center for primary care. AffirmCare, located in Towson, will serve as a primary care clinic with an emphasis on the specific needs of the LGBTQIA+ community.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for AffirmCare will be held March 31, which is International Transgender Day of Visibility.
“The opening of AffirmCare represents a significant new resource for our patients,” according to Neil Meltzer, president and CEO of LifeBridge Health. “Members of the LGBTQIA+ community actually approached LifeBridge Health asking for healthcare services to support their community. We are thrilled to be opening this new clinic, further fulfilling LifeBridge Health’s purpose of caring for all our communities.”
AffirmCare providers are specially trained LGTBQIA+ community members and allies dedicated to ensuring a wholly affirming healthcare experience for all.
Led by Kjell Wiberg, M.D., AffirmCare is a facility where members of the LGBTQIA+ community can feel safe and can receive treatment that is supportive of the whole person.
“The LGBTQIA+ community is an underserved population, where people often face barriers in their healthcare journeys, ranging from a lack of understanding to actual discrimination in some cases. Through AffirmCare, we will support people in reaching their full potential and being their best, including encouraging people to seek new opportunities and not be afraid of being themselves,” says Dr. Wiberg, who is an internal medicine physician and infectious disease specialist.
AffirmCare patients receive a range of primary care services, including regular check-ups, the continuation of existing courses of gender-affirming hormone therapy treatment, education and access to PrEP and other services related both to general health and the particular needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Eric Crouse, LifeBridge Health team member and patient of Dr. Wiberg’s, explains, “We need providers who understand the specific challenges that we as a community face. We need to feel both safe and accepted in our healthcare regardless of our sexual orientation or gender identity. When you give patients that affirmation, there is a greater likelihood of success on their journey toward a healthier life.”
Affirmcare is the latest addition to the LifeBridge Health Medical Group, the health system’s network of physician practices, which includes its hospital-based practices and more than 80 physician offices in communities all across the greater Baltimore region.
“We are so thrilled to add AffirmCare to our network of primary care and sub-specialty providers. Dr. Wiberg and his colleagues have specialized expertise and experience in LGBTQIA+ healthcare and have designed an environment focused on respect, empathy and inclusion,” says Matthew Poffenroth, M.D., president of LifeBridge Health Medical Group, and chief physician executive and senior vice president of LifeBridge Health.
AffirmCare is just the latest initiative in LifeBridge Health's commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (J.E.D.I). The health system's Office of J.E.D.I and the LGBTQIA+ employee resource group (ERG) provide a space where team members can share experiences, organize social and educational events, and advocate for support and resources. In fact, the LGBTQIA+ ERG played a key role in the selection of the name "AffirmCare."
The health system's chief diversity officer, Dr. Sybil Pentsil, says "Our LGBTQIA+ ERG felt the name AffirmCare conveyed a positive message to our patients that they will be accepted and understood by those providing healthcare services. We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging at LifeBridge Health and are so thankful for the input and support of these team members."
LifeBridge Health’s Sinai and Northwest hospitals have both been recognized as LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Index “top performers” by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. The survey rates hospitals and healthcare organizations on policies and best practices for LGBTQ+ patient-centered care in four key areas: non-discrimination and staff training, patient services and support, employee benefits and policies, and patient and community engagement.
AffirmCare officially opened its doors March 20 and provides care to all patients, with staff and providers specially trained and experienced in LGBTQIA+-oriented care. The office is located at 849 Fairmount Ave Suite 100B, Towson, MD. To learn more and schedule an appointment, visit the AffirmCare page on our HelloBrave online portal or call 410-601-7723.
About LifeBridge Health:
LifeBridge Health is one of the largest, most comprehensive providers of health services in Maryland. LifeBridge Health includes Sinai Hospital, Northwest Hospital, Carroll Hospital, Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital, Grace Medical Center and related subsidiaries and affiliates. For more information, visit www.lifebridgehealth.org