You recently posted a reel to Instagram that described how your job has “changed radically” in the last two weeks. Specifically, how has your job changed?
We are very concerned about the assault on LGBTQ persons and their health and human rights. We believe that all persons have a right to healthcare, and all of our programs are grounded in that philosophy. We will continue to provide healthcare to all persons who present for services. We spend a lot of time figuring out how best to comply with executive orders and remain faithful to our values. This has required working with a legal team to provide us with guidance.
You are playing an additional role now, but in the post you assured LGBTQ individuals that “this is a safe place.” Can you elaborate please?
Our commitment to the people that we serve is unwavering. We will continue to provide care to all persons who walk through our door.
You also stated that you will continue “to fight for you, fight for your healthcare and fight for science.” Again, can you please elaborate?
We believe that practicing medicine should be anchored in scientific principles. We also believe that all people have a right to receive healthcare. We also believe that some healthcare services need to be culturally tailored. We plan to continue this approach to providing care, which many people like and have benefited from.
And you urged people to continue to come into Open Door and keep appointments. Have you seen a drop in visits since January?
We have seen a surge in patient visits. This might be because people are feeling anxious about the policy climate.
We see that the Rhode Island Public Health Institute has a new behavioral health clinic. Tell us about that please.
We have a new behavioral health program called Open Mind. Open Mind, RIPHI’s newest initiative housed at Open Door Health, is set to revolutionize behavioral health care with a $10 million federal grant and partnerships with The Providence Center and the Rhode Island Department of Health. We offer everything from psychiatry and short-term therapy to behavioral health triage. Open Mind is specifically designed to address the needs of the LGBTQ+ communities, adding depth to our existing primary and gender-affirming services. We’re bringing evidence-based care to our local community for mental health and substance use, and we also have a program to treat infectious disease consequences of substance use such as HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV). Our goal? To accept people as they come and guide them on their journey to wellness.
Are Open Door and RIPHI services threatened by federal budget cuts and freezes?
We have a large federal grant portfolio. Our federal grants have been appropriated by Congress, and we had to compete for all of them through competitive processes. We have been very concerned about statements that federal grants will be discontinued. However, currently, we are receiving resources for all of our federal grant awards, and we hope that continues.
And lastly, what would you suggest that individuals of whatever gender identity do to turn back this tide?
I believe that the courts will play an important role in helping guarantee people the right to many different services that are financed by the federal government and delivered through nonprofit organizations or other federal contractors. This includes, but is not limited to, healthcare. We believe that there is strength and numbers, and we encourage people to exercise their constitutional right to organize, and to call their federal representatives to encourage them to uphold important Democratic principles.
Ocean State Stories wrote about Open Door Health early in its first year of publication. Read the story here.
Also, read a Q & A with Dr. Philip A. Chan, a leader and physician with Dr. Nunn at Open Door Health and the Rhode Island Public Health Institute. Click here.
