LGBT Center of Greater Reading opens new wellness clinic

Jan. 10—The LGBT Center of Greater Reading's new wellness clinic is a symbol of inclusivity, acceptance and respect, said Michelle Dech, executive director of the center.

"With a team of highly skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals, we are committed to offering comprehensive and holistic care to our marginalized queer and trans community," she said. "Together we are creating a safe space where LGBTQ+ individuals can access essential health care services tailored to meet their unique needs."

Dech was among the speakers at a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday officially opening the wellness center adjacent to the LGBT Center in the rear of Calvary United Church of Christ, 640 Centre Ave.

The clinic will provide a plethora of services, she said, including HIV and STI testing, preventive medicine, chiropractic and massage services, gender-affirming care and numerous other vital services that have been historically scarce or unattainable for the LGBTQ+ community.

The healthcare services are a necessary addition to the critical services already offered by the center, Dech said. These include counseling, support groups, reduction-in-violence programming, a food pantry and educational programs, all of which empower individuals, strengthen community bonds and create a sense of belonging, she said.

"We provide care coordination here, which is simply a referral service program," she said, noting the center partners with more than 300 different service providers throughout Berks Lancaster, Montgomery counties. "Any service that we cannot provide within the clinic or within the scope of our other services, we do refer out."

The LGBT Center is providing and outfitting the clinic space, but will not provide direct care, she noted. Health-care services will be provided by professional partners, who will use space at the clinic on Centre Avenue.

Individual providers also will coordinate scheduling and administrative duties in addition to providing clinical care.

Appointments are required.

This model, Dech said, enables the center to bring in various partner providers for a few hours once or twice a month.

"Which means we can really offer a significant array of providers here with more services than a typical clinic," she said.

The Wellness Clinic also will provide referrals for services not provided on site.

"At the center, we aim to fill the void that has long existed in our community," Dech said, "a testament to the strength of our unity and determination to create a better future."

Dech was joined in cutting the ribbon by the center's board of directors and local, state and federal elected officials.

Speakers at the event included Lynette Matson, president of the center's board of directors; Timothy Greusel, board member; U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan; state Sen. Judy Schwank; state Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz; Berks County Commissioner Dante Santoni; City Council President Donna Reed; Councilman O. Christopher Miller; Dr. Mark B. Woodland, chair of the department of obstetrics and gynecology, Reading Hospital; Dr. Tabetha Super, chiropractor, Dr. Super's House of Health, Spring Township; and the Rev. Dr. Stephen Ohnsman, pastor of Calvary.

Miller, the first member of the LGBT community to serve on City Council, said he was asked by a friend why the LGBTQ community would need a designated health center.

It is not always easy or comfortable for LGBTQ individuals to have conversations with or ask questions of medical providers, he said.

"For somebody who may be in school, who's just coming out and who doesn't want to go to their family doctor because they haven't had a conversation with their parents yet, where do they turn?" he asked. "The same thing for transgender people. This is the place where people can start to get answers."

Even for older people some conversations or situations can be awkward, he noted, using as an example his own search for a new doctor after his primary-care physician retired.

"The concept of trying to find a new doctor and educating them and making sure they were an ally was very threatening," Miller said. "It took me a while to finally get up the courage.

Miller also faced the complication of explaining he is married to a man and covered by his husband's health insurance.

Such conversations can be uncomfortable, he said, and it helps to know if a healthcare provider is an ally.

"The LGBT center wellness clinic is so much more than just a physical location," Dech said. "It's a symbol of inclusivity, acceptance and respect. With a team of highly skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals, we are committed to offering comprehensive and holistic care to our marginalized queer and trans community."