THUNDER BAY -- Thunder Bay now has a clinic that integrates services specifically geared toward the health needs of gay, bisexual, trans and other men who have sex with men.
Branded as the Men's Health Clinic, a spokesperson says the monthly service provides access to health professionals who can understand their unique needs.
The clinic is a joint initiative involving Elevate NWO, the Ontario Aboriginal HIV/Aids Strategy, Oak Medical Arts and the Thunder Bay District Health Unit.
"We know that sometimes men may not be comfortable talking about their sexual health with their family doctor," says Dr. John Robrock, the physician who works at the clinic.
Services include testing for HIV, Hep C and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections, vaccinations for Hep A, Hep B and HPV, and information about interventions to help prevent transmission.
The clinic will also offer a social space, presentations and discussions about topics such as body image and the safe navigation of online spaces.
Officials say men who have sex with men are 131 times more likely to contract HIV than other men. This group still represents the largest percentage of new HIV infections in Ontario.
The next clinic is Tuesday, June 20 from 5 pm to 8 pm at 106 Cumberland Street North.
