Identity, a nonprofit dedicated to Alaska’s LGBTQ+ community, announced it will close its Anchorage health clinic. The last day for in-person appointments is April 17, with telehealth services available until May 1.
In a letter, Executive Director Tom Pittman expressed deep sadness over the closure. The board of directors cited several reasons for this tough decision: delayed Medicaid payments, issues with insurance billing, lease challenges, and the stress on staff.
This clinic was Alaska’s first to focus specifically on LGBTQ+ healthcare. Founded in 1977, Identity evolved from a community center to a nonprofit that champions LGBTQ+ rights. It merged with Full Spectrum Health in 2021 to launch this dedicated clinic.
To support their staff and existing patients, Identity plans to start a fundraising campaign. This effort aims to cover staff wages while they transition to new jobs and ensure patient bills won’t go into collections.
Community reactions on social media reflect a mix of sadness and frustration. Many individuals expressed concern over the dwindling health resources for LGBTQ+ people in Alaska. This closure highlights a broader national issue; a survey by the Human Rights Campaign found that nearly 50% of LGBTQ+ individuals experience barriers to healthcare.
Identity’s story is about community resilience and advocacy. As it moves forward, many hope new initiatives will arise to fill the gaps left by this clinic’s closure. For more on the latest challenges facing LGBTQ+ healthcare, you can read this report.
