Inspira Advantage recently interviewed Chris Davin, Executive Director at Henderson Equality Center. Learn how our med school admissions consulting services can help you gain admission to medical school today.
What makes the work at the Henderson Equality Center unique in advancing LGBTQ health and equity?
The Henderson Equality Center is unique in its comprehensive, wraparound approach to LGBTQ health and equity. Rather than functioning solely as a health clinic, the center serves as a full-scale community hub, offering medical care, social support, and advocacy in one affirming space. This integrated model reflects the understanding that LGBTQ wellness is multifaceted, and true equity requires accessible, culturally competent resources that meet people where they are.
One of the center’s distinguishing features is the availability of an on-site pharmacy through Precision Specialty RX, allowing patients to fill prescriptions conveniently and confidentially. The center provides Primary Care and Gender-Affirming Care, ensuring that individuals have access to affirming providers for both general health needs and transition-related care. They also offer low-cost testing with same-day results for most STDs, reducing barriers to prevention and early treatment while decreasing anxiety around waiting for results.
Alongside clinical services, the Henderson Equality Center offers wraparound services that support the broader well-being of the LGBTQ community—including mental health resources, youth programs, HIV prevention, community education, and assistance with housing, employment, and legal needs. By combining healthcare with social support, the center creates a safe, welcoming environment where community members can access care without judgment or financial obstacles.
What truly sets the Henderson Equality Center apart is its holistic commitment to empowerment and equity. Every service, from pharmacy access to support groups, is designed with inclusivity and dignity in mind—ensuring that LGBTQ individuals can not only stay healthy, but thrive.
What are some of your recent initiatives that have contributed to more inclusive healthcare for the LGBTQ+ community?
The Henderson Equality Center has introduced several new initiatives aimed at making healthcare more accessible, more affirming, and more responsive to the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. We have expanded our medical program to offer Primary Care and Gender-Affirming Care, giving patients access to hormone therapy and routine healthcare in a respectful, culturally competent setting. We’ve also strengthened sexual wellness services by providing low-cost testing with same-day results for most STDs, reducing both financial barriers and the anxiety of long wait times.
To increase accessibility beyond our clinic walls, we developed a mobile medical clinic for rural communities, allowing us to bring testing and services directly to people who may not have transportation or nearby affirming healthcare. In addition, our outreach teams now provide medical testing on college campuses, making care convenient for students and promoting early, proactive healthcare engagement among young adults.
One of our most impactful expansions is our partnership with Precision Specialty RX to offer an on-site pharmacy, providing a seamless experience for those picking up PrEP, HIV medications, hormone prescriptions, and general medications. To support continuity of care and adherence, the pharmacy also offers free medication delivery, ensuring patients can stay consistent with treatment even if transportation, time, or mobility are obstacles.
All of these initiatives work hand-in-hand with our wraparound services, including mental health support, resource navigation, and community-based programs, making care not only accessible but holistic. Together, these efforts remove barriers, close gaps, and create a healthcare environment where LGBTQ+ individuals feel seen, valued, and fully supported.
What lessons or qualities should future doctors and healthcare leaders develop if they want to provide more inclusive care?
Future healthcare professionals who hope to serve the LGBTQ+ community effectively must begin with empathy, cultural humility, and a willingness to learn. Inclusive care is not just about medical expertise—it is about understanding lived experiences, using correct names and pronouns, acknowledging disparities, and building trust with patients who may have faced discrimination in healthcare settings before.
It is crucial that upcoming doctors and healthcare leaders prioritize continuing education in LGBTQ+ health, including gender-affirming care, HIV prevention, sexual health, and the social challenges that impact access to care. They must also be attentive listeners, creating space for patients to communicate openly about their needs without judgment. This means fostering an environment where questions are welcomed, where identity is respected, and where care plans are created collaboratively.
Another key quality is advocacy. Inclusive healthcare requires speaking up for equitable policies, expanding access to affirming services, and challenging systems that create barriers based on identity, income, or geography. Future leaders should recognize that health extends beyond the exam room—housing, mental health, safety, and community support all play a role in a person’s wellness.
Most importantly, compassionate providers understand that inclusivity is not a checkbox—it is an ongoing commitment. The most impactful healthcare leaders will be those who continually evolve, listen to marginalized voices, and work to ensure no patient feels unseen or unheard.
Inspira Advantage is proud to interview experts like Chris Davin to help pre-med students understand the importance of culturally responsive care and inclusive support for diverse communities.
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