New clinic opens to support gay community

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 12/03/2016 (3522 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

When Dr. Dick Smith opened up Winnipeg’s first health clinic to serve the gay community in 2008, it was of modest beginnings.

Just one physician, Smith, and one part-time receptionist.

This evening, Smith officially opens the new location of Our Own Health Care centre on 286 McDermot Avenue, complete with three part-time doctors, a full-time physician’s assistant and a kinesiologist. The move is a relocation on the former site on Broadway, which originally opened as Winnipeg’s Gay Men’s Health Clinic.

“This opening is a very significant milestone,” said Smith, the clinic’s medical director.

The OOHC, which is also open to the general public, is the only medical clinic now located in the Exchange District.

“The mission of OOHC is to improve the health and well-being of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men”, said Smith, Medical Director of the clinic. “They have unique health care needs and we believe that they deserve optimal health care that takes their specific health and wellness needs into account.”

Smith said the OOHC is distinctive because while there are other general clinics that offer services for the gay community, his clinic primarily serves the gay community, while inviting the general public.

In addition, all doctors and staff are gay, he said, noting “it’s culturally appropriate and experiencially insightful.”

But Smith said offering service to the general public was important. “We very much welcome that because we want to give back to the general public for their support through the human rights and AIDS struggles,” he said.

OOHC will provide the following services: general family medicine, walk-in service for minor illnesses and injuries, surgical procedures, screening and treatment for sexually transmitted illnesses, fitness and nutrition evaluation and assistance, support to stop smoking, medication reviews, and sexology consultation. Future plans include expansion to add massage therapy, small-group exercise classes, and counselling. OOHC currently is accepting new patients.

The clinic is open Saturday afternoon and offers extended hours (open until 7 p.m.) on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

randy.turner@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @randyturner15