Adelante Healthcare, an Arizona-based medical organization with a Mesa site at 1705 W. Main St., offers its steadfast support for the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month this June.

Adelante was founded more than 40 years ago on the principles of providing access to quality health care to all members of the community. It is important to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community as it serves as an example of loving acceptance and creativity, according to a release.

“With Pride Month, we want to emphasize our unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community,” Britton Carter, HIV program manager at Adelante Healthcare, said in the release. “We are dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

The LGBTQ+ community faces a number of health disparities and challenges. As part of its ongoing commitment to the community’s health and welfare, Adelante Healthcare emphasizes HIV screenings, awareness and support for the LGBTQ+ population.

Regular HIV screenings are important as they improve health outcomes by enabling early detection. Advancements in medicine and treatment offer ways to prevent the transmission of the virus, the release states.

“While we recognize that HIV has most impacted the LGBTQ+ community in the past, it’s important that we recognize that almost a quarter of new HIV infections are through heterosexual contact,” says Carter. “HIV impacts everyone, whether we have it or don’t. Which is why Adelante aims to educate all of our patients and helping them to create an HIV prevention plan that works for the individual, regardless of who they’re having sex with.”

Adelante Healthcare’s HIV prevention team focuses on four areas: diagnosing, treating, preventing and responding. They promote and expand HIV testing through various methods, including clinical, rapid mobil, and take-home tests. The business offers comprehensive care for patients living with HIV, including testing, prescribing PrEP and treatment, with expanded telehealth services. They connect individuals to sexual health education, safer sex tools and effective medications such as PrEP. Additionally, Adelante Healthcare builds a network by partnering with grassroots organizations and other HIV prevention teams, ensuring efficient resource allocation through Rapid Start services and support from the Ryan White Foundation.

Adelante Healthcare operates nine health centers throughout Maricopa County, making it accessible and convenient for individuals seeking health care services. The organization also accepts a wide range of insurance plans, including the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System.

For more information about Adelante Healthcare and its HIV screening services, go to AdelanteHealthcare.com or to schedule an appointment and inquire about services, call 480-964-2273.