Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset, the first hospital in New Jersey to offer primary care services tailored to LGBTQIA patients, recently expanded its PROUD Family Health. The center, located on the hospital’s campus in Somerville, moved to a new private office suite and has added new staff members, including an advance practice nurse and patient navigator.
Among those attending PROUD Family Health’s ribbon cutting celebration were Jackie Cornell, Principal Deputy Commissioner of Health for the State of New Jersey, Amy Mansue, Executive Vice President and Chief Experience Officer, RWJBarnabas Health, and Aaron Potenza, policy director, Garden State Equality.
PROUD Family Health is now open five days a week and offers both daytime and evening hours to better accommodate its growing patient population. Services include comprehensive primary care, HIV prevention, hormone therapy and monitoring, same-day sick visits, chronic illness management, health education and counseling, support groups and referrals.
Paula A. Gutierrez, MHA, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, says it’s important for patients to feel comfortable and not disrespected, discriminated against or treated differently because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. “We’re very much committed to the LGBTQIA community,” says Gutierrez. “We’re continuing to look for opportunities to better serve these patients.” In the future, the clinic is hoping to add more services in areas such as endocrinology, surgery and behavioral health.
To schedule an appointment with PROUD Family Health, call 855-PROUD-FH.
