In March, Jefferson Health – New Jersey announced it was planning to open a new, first-in-South Jersey medical practice with a focus on lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual and queer people. The healthcare giant hoped to open the practice in June, just in time for Pride Month.
But like just about everything else, those plans were delayed by the arrival of COVID-19.
Originally planned for Collingswood, the practice will now open in Haddonfield on Jan. 4.
“COVID derailed the timeline, for sure,” admitted Amanda Kimmel, vice president of ambulatory operations for Jefferson Health – New Jersey. The pandemic disrupted planning and development for the practice as Jefferson, like nearly all health care providers, had to shift its focus and resources on fighting the disease that’s wrought so much havoc, claiming at least 16,706 lives in New Jersey and 14,718 in Pennsylvania, the two states where Jefferson operates.
More:Jefferson plans ‘as inclusive as possible’ LGBTQ-centered medical practice in Collingswood
Todd Levin, a physician specializing in infectious diseases, will lead the practice, Kimmel said.
“Since mid-March, we have been completely focused on COVID-19,” Kimmel said, noting Jefferson opened the first testing site in the region March 8.
Jefferson made an effort to ensure that LGBTQ patients had a practice that felt welcoming and understanding of their needs, Kimmel said, and to that end, hired staff representative of the LGBTQ community.
“We heard a lot of feedback from patients who said they wanted a practice where people understand their needs and wants first hand,” said Kimmel; the Mazzoni Center in Philadelphia offered a standard for LGBTQ care that patients cited.
RWJBarnabas Health’s Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset recently opened the PROUD Center in Somerset County, but Jefferson’s practice will be the first of its kind in South Jersey.
After the initial announcement in March, Kimmel said, many people reached out for updates on when the practice would open, showing the demand for services geared toward an underserved community.
More:2020 in review: History, heartache, hope in South Jersey and beyond
With 10 exam rooms, the practice will offer primary care, HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention services, transgender health services like hormone replacement therapy and medically-assisted treatment for opioid use disorders. Surgical specialists and gynecological providers will eventually be added as well.
Focusing on HIV treatment and prevention, transgender health services including hormone replacement therapy, and medication assisted treatment for opioid addiction. A full-time licensed clinical social worker will be on staff to help patients navigate behavioral health issues. A part-time physician’s assistant will be offer help with medication management and other concerns.
The medication assisted treatment, said Kimmel, is a particular point of pride since most providers require patients to pay out of pocket, which can be expensive for many people who might not have private insurance. The new practice will accept all insurance — including Medicaid.
“Access in general has been an ongoing issue for the LGBTQ population, especially when it comes to health care,” said Kimmel, a challenge exacerbated by COVID-19. Providers have had to limit in-person visits to stem the spread of the virus, and have leaned heavily on technology like telemedicine and virtual visits.
For those who don’t have access to technology or a car, the Haddonfield location is a short walk from the PATCO Hi-Speedline, Kimmel noted.
“We wanted to make people comfortable,” she said. “This will be an inclusive practice. You can be an ally and visit us, too. This is meant to serve the entire community with a focus on the LGBTQ community.”
At a glance
Jefferson Health Haddonfield Primary & Specialty Care (A LGBTQ+ Affirming Practice) opens Jan. 4 at 80 Tanner St., Haddonfield. Call 844-542-2273 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Phaedra Trethan has been a reporter and editor in South Jersey since 2007 and has covered Camden since 2015. She’s called South Jersey home since 1971. Contact her with feedback, news tips or questions at ptrethan@gannettnj.com, on Twitter @By_Phaedra, or by phone at 856.486-2417.
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