LGBTQ Care: High-Quality Healthcare for Everyone
With dedicated health resources and caring, compassionate providers, Wellstar is making care more accessible to people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+).
Historically, many healthcare systems have not focused on the specific needs of the LGBTQ community. Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Gabriella Maris addressed the gap in care.
“The LGBTQ community has been marginalized by the healthcare system,” Dr. Maris said. “There is a lack of providers who have adequate training to understand and treat their unique health risks.”
Dr. Maris said her personal experience inspired her passion for helping LGBTQ patients stay healthy.
“I grew up in a non-traditional family. I felt firsthand what it felt like to be marginalized,” Dr. Maris said. “Both my family and my friends have had similar experiences. When I chose to go into healthcare, those experiences started to really resonate with me.”
Wellstar believes every person should have access to safe, high-quality healthcare. At each of our primary care locations, we maintain a welcoming, non-judgmental environment to treat patients. Across Wellstar Health System, we’re committed to providing inclusive medical services in a safe, comfortable space to make LGBTQ care more available.
Dedicated health experts for the LGBTQ community
Members of the LGBTQ community may be at a higher risk for certain medical issues.
For example, lesbian and bisexual women may be at increased risk for breast, cervical and ovarian cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also shared that gay and bisexual men can have a higher chance of experiencing behavioral health concerns, such as depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety.
Treating these health concerns starts with trained providers who take a caring, compassionate approach to help patients stay healthy.
Wellstar provides primary care for the LGBTQ community, including wellness exams, chronic disease management and other health screenings. We also offer special services for people who identify as LGBTQ including:
- Family planning and birth control
- Prenatal and OB/GYN care
- Pap smears for men and women
- Colposcopy and anoscopy
- Hormone therapy
- PrEP and nPEP treatment for HIV prevention
- Pediatric care
Active partners in your care
Wellstar physicians are not only providing great care to patients. Each health expert is dedicated to being a true partner in your wellness journey.
“I want for patients to know that this is their medical home—for them to feel comfortable when they walk in our door and for them to know that this is going to be a clinic that is not judgmental, is truly empathic and is here to help them in whatever way we can,” Dr. Maris said.
No matter how major or minor your health concerns may be, Wellstar is fully dedicated to delivering world-class care, so everyone can live their healthiest lives.
Call (770) 968-6464 today to book an appointment with Dr. Maris at her office in Morrow or find a Wellstar primary care location near you.
