Phoenix Center opens public health facility on Springfield eastside, plans north end site
The Phoenix Center has opened a new east-side public health center with plans for a north-end location allowing the LGBTQ community center to expand its services to underserved communities in Springfield.
OUT East was introduced earlier this month on World Aids Day giving the public a chance to see what the new facility, at 1107 South Grand Avenue East, has to offer.
Services include HIV screenings and screenings for sexually transmitted diseases and hepatitis C, harm reduction services, free condoms, and space to host community groups. The facility also provides information on a variety of health issues and referrals for housing, clothing, food, and other services.
OUT East shares space with Everything Intricate, a live music and art venue, with the facility's owner, Tiara Standage, serving as a harm reduction specialist.
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Jonna Cooley, executive director of the Phoenix Center, said services were needed on the east side and north end, where another facility, OUT North, is in the works.
"We have found that there are pockets of our city where we are seeing people who have exhibited higher (health) risks," Cooley said. "For example, the north end location is going to be opening based on the higher overdose rates on that end of the city. We want to be able to make sure that people from various parts of the community have access to our services and that it's not too difficult for them to get to. We just want to make sure that we're better able to reach anyone."
Cooley stressed that the new facilities support everyone, not just the LGBTQ community. She said it's an example of how the Phoenix Center can work with the community at large and provide services to help alleviate problems.
For instance, the center has tracked the changing drug landscape over the past decade and aims to provide services like needle exchanges to help prevent HIV and other blood-borne infections, control drug use, and keep people safe.
"It reflects that we have been able to get a grasp of what's going on in our community, the needs in our community, and then identify additional or unmet needs," Cooley said. "That's what we're trying to do is reach those places where there are unmet needs."
No site has been designated yet for the north end location, with Cooley saying that she first wants to ensure the success of the east side location.
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"The success of it would be that people would utilize the services and that we're able to help people know their status to get them connected to medical care if needed," she said, "and to prevent the ongoing transmission of infectious diseases in the community."
The Phoenix Center also has expanded beyond Springfield with a satellite location in Quincy getting through its first year and a location planned for Decatur.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Phoenix Center opens public health center on Springfield east side
