Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset (RWJS) became the first hospital in New Jersey to offer specialized primary care services for the LGBTQIA community when the hospital opened PROUD Family Health at the RWJ Somerset Family Practice on January 30.

PROUD Family Health will provide services tailored to meet the unique health care needs of the LGBTQIA community in a safe, supportive environment. Services will include primary medical care for children and adults, hormone therapy and monitoring, HIV care, health education, counseling, support groups, and referrals for specialty services such as behavioral health services.

“Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital is committed to providing the highest quality medical care to the diverse communities that we serve,” said Michael Antoniades, president and chief executive officer, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. “We recognized that the health care needs of the LGBTQIA community were not being met and in many cases, LGBTQIA individuals were traveling outside of New Jersey for their medical care. PROUD Family Health will offer them the care they need close to home.”

“From routine physicals for preventive care to hormone therapy and contraception, we will ensure that each patient receives professional compassionate care without judgment,” said Lalitha Hansch, MD, FAAFP, DABMA, program director, RWJ Somerset Family Practice.

In March, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset and The Pride Center of New Jersey launched a Transgender Family Support Group — the first of its kind in the region designed to help spouses, partners, and adult children better understand, accept, and cope with their transgender family members.

On January 29, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset received The Pride Center of New Jersey’s 2016 Community Partnership Award presented for contributions and support to New Jersey’s LGBTQIA Community.

PROUD Family Health is open on Mondays from 6 to 9 p.m. Medicare, Medicaid, and most major insurance plans are accepted. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 1-855-PROUD-FH ((855)-776-8334).

To learn more about Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, visit www.rwjuh.edu.

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