Sept. 29--The Howard Brown Health Center said Tuesday that it will open a medical clinic in the Rogers Park neighborhood by the end of the year.
The center's third clinic is the result of the nonprofit organization's recent recognition as a federally qualified health center. The status includes an annual operating grant of about $650,000 designed to expand its reach as a safety net for those who are uninsured or underinsured.
Howard Brown's mission is to provide health and social services to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals. But the organization's clinics are open to all in need of primary care.
"The new site, located in an emerging hub for LGBTQ culture in Chicago, furthers Howard Brown's mission to eliminate the disparities in healthcare experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning people," David Ernesto Munar, Howard Brown's president and CEO, said in a statement.
The third clinic will alleviate pressure on the center's two clinics in Lakeview that are at capacity, Munar said. Howard Brown serves about 12,000 patients in its primary care practice, he added.
Located at 6500 N. Clark St., the Rogers Park clinic will share space with the Gerber/Hart Library and Archives, the Midwest's largest gay and lesbian library, according to Howard Brown.
Munar estimates that it will cost more than $1 million to set up the clinic space. The center also is negotiating with the landlord for other building improvements.
The Rogers Park center will start out small, with about four exam rooms, Munar said, but there are plans for a total of 12 exam rooms, plus space for behavioral health services.
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