New LGBTQ+ health initiative comes to Oakland County

A new health equity initiative is aimed at making sure that individuals in the LGBTQ+ community receive the care and service they deserve, in Oakland County and beyond.

The initiative, called the "Driving Health Equity Campaign," is part of Corktown Health's new project focused on expanding resources for the LGBTQ+ community. Corktown Health, started in Detroit in 2017, is Michigan's first nonprofit medical facility with an emphasis on health disparities amongst LGBTQ+ people. The initiative seeks to raise $8 million, $3.2 million of which has already been secured, to close such health disparities.

Corktown Health patient Jacob Martinez said the organization offers a safe space for everyone.

“Corktown is always the first resource I recommend to anyone. … No matter the situation that brings you in, the staff creates a safe space to communicate. It's one of the few medical spaces where it feels OK to be gay. Corktown has been there for me and I'm here for them today, fully supporting this new community initiative and excited for the impact they will have. Their work saves lives.”

Corktown Health provides LGBTQ+ focused services such as HIV prevention and treatment, gender-affirming care, and mental health support, along with other programs including primary care, geriatric care, dental services, cancer screening and more.

Corktown's newest clinic is set to open in Hazel Park in 2024. The site, located at 24310 John R, will be transformed into a health facility thanks to a partnership with architectural firm Albert Kahn Associates.

Corktown Health CEO and President Anthony Williams said the project marks the start of Corktown Health’s goal of expansion across Michigan.

“This is really about the community, it’s what the community has been asking for, and we feel a need to address that,” Williams said. “We serve a huge population right now, about 4,000 people every year. What we’re hoping is that we will reach more people in northern Wayne County, southern Oakland County, and Macomb County. Just based on this location, another 3,000 to 4,000 people.”

Corktown Health Board of Directors Chair Patricia Martin said Corktown's mission is a reflection of the problems still existent within LGBTQ+ populations.

“While medical advancements have moved steadily forward, healthcare discrimination continues for people who identify as part of the LGBT community,” Martin said. “We decided to build a clinic. Our goal was to help drive health equity in Detroit. It was our 'Field of Dreams'.”

Oakland’s Deputy County Executive Madiha Tariq said the partnership with Corktown began when an increasing number of patients started demonstrating a need for more specialized care.

"Corktown Health became one of our top referral sites for LGBTQ communities, for PrEP communities, as well as others who felt that they often experienced medical gaslighting and discrimination because of their identity," Tariq said. "Corktown Health was able to provide them a space where they could be who they are, but also get the care that they need."

Hazel Park City Manager Edward Klobucher said the introduction of Corktown Health into the local community emulates a bigger goal of equal healthcare for all.

“In the past decade, we've worked very hard to send a strong message that everyone is welcome here in the city of Hazel Park. I think that the LGBTQ community has heard that message loud and clear,” Klobucher said. “I believe they have worked very hard to help us in our mission to revitalize Hazel Park and make great things happen. That's one of the reasons why we are so proud to welcome Corktown Health here today and partner with them to ensure that historically underserved communities have access to the kind of health care that they need.”

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: LGBTQ+ health initiative setting up new clinic in Hazel Park