Portland, OR | May 18, 2018 – Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) is very pleased to announce Prism Health’s one-year anniversary.

Prism Health is Oregon’s first and only lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, plus all other gender and sexual minorities (LGBTQ+) primary care clinic. As of May 2018, Prism has been open for one full year. To commemorate the event, Prism Health is having a One-Year Anniversary Open House Thursday May 24th 4:30 to 6:30 pm at 2236 SE Belmont Street, Portland. No RSVP necessary.

Prism Health was just an idea three short years ago when its parent organization, CAP, recognized an unfulfilled need in the local LGBTQ+ community for culturally affirming primary care. CAP spent two years, researching, planning, and raising funds for the one-of-a-kind clinic, and in May 2017, Prism Health opened its doors.

Prism employs a team of providers and support staff with extensive experience working in LGBTQ+ healthcare. Everything about Prism, from services offered, to intake forms, policies, and even the physical design of the building have been informed by members of the LGBTQ+ community and aim to create a safe welcoming environment. Tyler TerMeer, CAP’s Executive Director, says “We wanted to heavily involve the community in the planning of Prism, and it was very important to get the perspective of the most vulnerable individuals to ensure we were reaching those most in need of care. We feel our approach has been very successful!”.

In its first year of operation, the clinic has exceeded patient population projections and demographics. With 450 patients currently engaged in primary care, Prism is well on track to meet longer term patient goals. Over 90% of Prism’s first year patients identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community. Moreover, many of these patients are engaging in primary care for the first time in several years, despite having chronic health issues. Patients state they have finally found a clinic that is accepting and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community. They feel not only safe, but cared for in a culturally specific and tailored manner.

CAP and Prism Health look forward to the year ahead as they execute plans to kick off a clinic mental health program, as well as transition Prism’s mail-order pharmacy to an onsite pharmacy.