A doctor's office is opening
today in New Jersey, designed to welcome members of the LGBTQ community.
Virtua Health is launching
Pride Primary Care in Marlton, something that's personal for doctors like
Shanin Gross.
"Right now, the LGBTQ
community is feeling very strained,” says Gross.
They hope a practice like
this will help.
"Having a practice that
is affirming and safe and celebrates you as a person and not just as a patient,”
says Gross.
Making it more likely a
person will be engaged in their health
care. The focus is care that
affirms a person's gender identity -- HIV testing, treatment and other general
needs. For some, it fills a void.
"Typically, we have to
go over the bridge or we're looking into urban areas but for those of
us in our suburban communities to have an organization and a pride practice
just like this in our own backyard, it really goes a long way,” says
Shane Lipscomb, of Medford.
He says he was on a medicine
that helps prevent HIV. Doctors are not always well-versed, but this time
is different.
"You're with these
physicians, Dr. Gross, Dr. Levine -- who had the same similar experiences to
you that can recognize that."
They say part of a cultural
change in South Jersey.