Women’s History Month

March is Women’s History Month. This March, let’s celebrate women throughout history and the accomplishments they make every day. It’s important to recognize the imbalance and exclusion of women from the cultural conversation. Women’s health in particular matters because all women and their bodies matter. At Howard Brown Health we respect and make space for all women. Our Women’s Health Services team provide a full range of services for women, including outreach and health education, workshops and programming, and patient navigation for the alternative insemination program.

“Our team centers and empowers women and nonbinary folks.

We are motivated and passionate about our work because we focus on a population that has been overlooked and under-served.

When we do outreach, we are surprised that so many lesbian, bisexual, and queer women don’t know that Howard Brown is a place for them. We know that all departments serve women and our mission is to let that be known. We are a small but mighty team comprised of 3 full-time staff and 1 part-time volunteer, but the work we’re tasked with is huge! We’re hoping to grow Women’s Health Services to meet the needs of these underserved communities.”

-Women’s Health Services Team

Historically, women’s access to competent healthcare has been limited. Especially for women of color, trans women and feminine people, immigrant women, lesbians, bisexual women, gender nonconforming women, queer women, and many other designations, these issues are exponentially compounded by overlapping oppressions making access to care even more difficult. As the largest LGBTQ healthcare organization in the Midwest, we believe that every woman has the right to shape their healthiest life.

One of our providers, Abbey Baus PA-C, AAHIVS, answered some questions about clinical services for women offered at Howard Brown.

How does Howard Brown Health provide gender affirming services?

I am incredibly proud to be a part of the Howard Brown Health team, helping to create and sustain a safe and supportive environment while providing holistic gender affirming health services. We say gender affirming to recognize the spectrum of gender identities and expressions of our patients and the unique ways we can provide health services for them. We do this work while recognizing that our patients are the experts of their own bodies. This means you’ll never be asked to go through an exam or have a test that makes you feel uncomfortable or is unrelated to your health care concern.

How does Howard Brown Health serve populations of women?

Howard Brown provides full gynecological care to routine health screenings and treatment for acute and chronic illnesses for cis and trans women.  This includes breast/chest and cervical cancer screenings, colposcopy following abnormal PAPs, birth control (including IUDs and Nexplanon insertions), all options pregnancy testing/counseling, STI treatment and prevention, hormone replacement therapy, immunizations, alternative insemination and behavioral health services. Our mental health services include case management and resources for survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence.

We won’t put you in box. All options are available to all patients, and we strive to create an affirming, positive space to discuss your health.

What would you want people to know about Howard Brown that people don’t already (in regards to clinical services for women)?

I love to remind friends and family that Howard Brown sees all people regardless of sex assigned at birth, gender identity, sexuality, or ability to pay!

Whether it’s referrals for gender affirming surgeries, prevention of pregnancy, HIV prevention with PrEP and PEP, STI testing, or alternative insemination to become pregnant, Howard Brown medical providers are here to meet the needs of all women.

We provide holistic and supportive healthcare to women. In order to provide holistic, supportive healthcare for women we listen to staff and patients, trusting your self-determination, and ensure that the health-related resources women need are available to access.

Consider making an appointment at Howard Brown Health today at 773.388.1600 and access the care that you need.