Whitman-Walker Health

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Elizabeth Taylor Medical Center

Whitman-Walker Health is a non-profit community health center in Washington, D.C., that specializes in providing comprehensive and accessible healthcare services to the LGBTQ+ community and individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Established in 1973, Whitman-Walker Health has grown to become a vital resource for marginalized populations, offering a wide range of medical, dental, behavioral health, and legal services.

History

Whitman-Walker Health was founded in 1973 as the Gay Men's VD Clinic, a volunteer-run clinic providing sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment. In 1978, the clinic was renamed Whitman-Walker Clinic in honor of the poet Walt Whitman and Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, a pioneering female physician and women's rights activist. The clinic expanded its services in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980s, becoming a leader in HIV/AIDS care and advocacy.

Services

Whitman-Walker Health offers a variety of services, including:

• Primary care: Comprehensive medical care for individuals of all ages, with a focus on the LGBTQ+ community and those living with HIV/AIDS.
• HIV/AIDS care: Specialized care for individuals living with HIV/AIDS, including antiretroviral therapy, case management, and support services.
• Behavioral health: Mental health services, including counseling, therapy, and psychiatric care.
• Dental care: Preventive and restorative dental services.
• Legal services: Assistance with legal issues related to healthcare, including insurance navigation, discrimination, and immigration.
• Gender-affirming care: Services for transgender and non-binary individuals, including hormone therapy and surgical referrals.

Locations

Whitman-Walker Health operates multiple locations in Washington, D.C., including:

• Whitman-Walker at 1525: The main health center located at 1525 14th Street NW.
• Max Robinson Center: Located in Southeast D.C., providing services to the Anacostia community.
• Whitman-Walker Youth Services: Focused on providing care and support to LGBTQ+ youth.

Advocacy and Community Engagement

Whitman-Walker Health is actively involved in advocacy and community engagement, working to promote health equity and social justice. The organization participates in public policy initiatives, community education, and outreach programs to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ health issues and HIV/AIDS.

See Also

• LGBTQ+ healthcare
• HIV/AIDS in the United States
• Community health center
• Non-profit organization