Community Partner: Chase Brexton Health Care LGBT Health Resource Center
Peer Mentor: Victoria Chen
Site Supervisor: Kate Bishop
What is Chase Brexton?
Our mission is to provide compassionate, quality health care that honors diversity, inspires wellness,
and improves our communities.
Tasks:
• Provided HIV Counseling, Testing, and Referral for walk‐in clients and clinic
patients
• Assisted in front desk coverage and shadowed intakes for people who were
newly‐diagnosed with HIV
• Helped moderate support groups and TransCare focus groups hosted by the
LGBT Health Resource Center
• Conducted community outreach at various health resource fairs and Baltimore
Pride
Since working at STAR TRACK last summer, I have wanted to continue my CIIP experience by serving a similar demographic through a different, but
equally as effective, care model. On paper, Chase Brexton and STAR TRACK and similar in many ways: both are healthcare providers, both advocate for
the LGBT community, and both are leaders in providing primary care to people living with HIV/AIDS. The LGBT Health Resource Center at Chase Brexton
is unique because of their ground‐breaking work in providing affirming care for gender‐diverse youth. Additionally the POWER Project in the case
management department not only offers HIV testing, but also works to ensure that people living with HIV have a strong support network.
Some of the most insightful learning for me this summer came from working with people of trans experience. Especially since I grew up surround by all
cis‐gendered people, it was extremely poignant for me to hear the widespread discrimination trans‐patients faced at their provider's office. From being
mis‐gendered by front desk staff to being called the wrong name at the pharmacy, these simple competencies can make or break a care experience.
Instead of feeling dejected by the health care system's general neglect for people of trans‐identity, many within the community made an active choice
to speak about their positive experiences by participating in a TransCare focus group. Together, they composed a list of necessary provider
competencies that every medically‐trained staff should know before entering the field.
By far the most memorable moments of my internship have come from providing HIV counseling and testing for walk‐in clients. Most of them are not
patients at Chase Brexton, but came because they wanted a safe and anonymous place to get tested. Though the conversations surrounding each
person's sexual history can feel awkward at times, it's also when clients feel most vulnerable. A large part of my work was learning how to be a
supportive ally‐‐both in the office and out. I've realized now that the answer is simple: to treat everyone with the same respect, love, and compassion
that I want for myself. ‐ Victoria
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