Fenway’s Sidney Borum, Jr. Health Center at 75 Kneeland Street in Boston specializes in working with LGBT young people.
Photo: Courtesy of Fenway Health
By: Brook Rosini/Special to The Rainbow Times—
BOSTON, Mass.—For TRT’s health issue, we spoke with Chris Vivieros at Fenway Health to put together a guide to the institution’s LGBT-oriented programs. From dental care to women’s health to transgender services to acupuncture for LGBT smokers, Fenway Health offers a wide range of healthcare options for individuals in the LGBT community.
Dental and eye care
Fenway Health is known for medical and behavioral healthcare, but some might not be aware that the facility also offers family dental and eye care at their 1340 Boylston Street location. The Department of Dentistry at Fenway Health is a state-of-the-art dental facility utilizing the latest technologies in patient care and treatment. With new research demonstrating the relationship between oral and overall health, The Department of Dentistry’s stated goal is to provide patients with access to high-quality oral health care. Learn more at www.fenwayhealth.org/dental or make an appointment at (617) 927-6127.
The Sidney Borum, Jr. Health Center
Fenway’s Sidney Borum, Jr. Health Center at 75 Kneeland Street in Boston specializes in providing safe, non-judgmental medical and behavioral healthcare and services for young people age 12 to 29 who might not be comfortable going anywhere else. The Borum works with young people from all walks of life. Many of the Borum’s patients are LGBT or questioning, living with HIV or street-involved. Find out more at www.sidneyborum.org or by calling (617) 457-8140.
Women’s Health, now with obstetric services
Meeting the healthcare needs of all women, especially lesbian, bisexual and transgender women, is an integral part of Fenway Health’s mission. The institution provides supportive and sensitive care regardless of a woman’s sexual orientation, gender identity, age, race, religion, or ability to pay. The facility also boasts the first-of-its-kind Alternative Insemination Program, which has helped conceive nearly 500 babies, and its new radiology program offers mammograms and bone density screenings. Starting in January 2014, Fenway Health will add obstetric services. Learn more at www.fenwayhealth.org/women or call (617) 927-6000.
Walk-in HIV Counseling and Testing at Fenway: Sixteen
Fenway Health’s historic space at 16 Haviland Street has served the LGBT community for more than 40 years. Walk-in HIV testing, including rapid testing, is available at Fenway: Sixteen Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (excluding holidays). For more information about services and programs at Fenway: Sixteen, or to speak to a counselor, call the HIV testing and information line at (617) 267-0159 or visit www.fenwayhealth.org/sixteen.
Fenway’s Pharmacy with two convenient locations and free home delivery
Other lesser-known resources at Fenway Health are its two pharmacy locations. Fenway’s main pharmacy is located at 1340 Boylston Street, with a sister location at Fenway: South End, 142 Berkeley Street. Both facilities are open to the public and offer free home delivery services for medications. As a bonus, those who receive healthcare at Fenway have the added benefit of onsite pharmacists consulting with their doctors about which medications will work best for them. Visit www.fenwayhealth.org/pharmacy for more information.
Transgender Health Program
The Transgender Health Program continues to expand to comprehensively address the needs of Fenway’s rapidly growing transgender patient base. Currently, 1,100 transgender patients receive care at Fenway Health locations, an increase of over 900 patients since 2007. Fenway Health makes every effort to provide primary medical and behavioral healthcare and supportive services that are sensitive to the needs of people who identify on the transgender spectrum. The Transgender Health Program at Fenway aims to ensure quality and informed care for trans women, trans men, gender-queer, affirmed men and women, and others who have healthcare needs unique to gender expressions and identities that may vary from societally imposed expectations or norms. Visit www.fenwayhealth.org/transgender for more information.
Acupuncture for smoking cessation
A little-known statistic provided by Fenway Health indicates that LGBT people smoke at rates up to 70 percent higher than the general population—one of the highest smoking rates of all disproportionately affected subpopulations. The organization offers acupuncture for individuals interested in quitting smoking, stating that it can be a very effective tool to help calm nerves, reduce nicotine dependence, and improve overall health and well-being. To find out more or to purchase a pass, contact Stefanie at sdilibero@fenwayhealth.org, or arrive at the facility at least 45 minutes before the end of a regularly scheduled acupuncture detox session. Visit www.fenwayhealth.org/acupuncture for more information.
