Detroit nonprofit begins new LGBTQ+ health facility

HAZEL PARK, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) – A Detroit nonprofit that provides medical care to the LGBTQ+ community is expanding its services.

Corktown Health plans to open its second location in Hazel Park on John R Road, north of Woodward Heights Boulevard.

“We were looking for just the right location. It had to be not only available, but accessible. So if you have transport issues, this is on a bus route so you can get on the bus and get here and there. go back home,” said Anthony Williams, president and CEO of Corktown Health.

It is these types of barriers that Corktown Health aims to remove for the more than 4,000 people who seek care each year because of their focus on the LGBTQ+ community.

“But it’s not just about the care you provide. It’s about reaffirming the person, the individual and their identity, so that they feel welcome. And that will enable you to provide even better care, because it builds the level of trust and communication that is necessary,” Williams said.

In addition to medical care, Corktown Health in Hazel Park will provide dental, mental health and support services, including assistance with housing, food insecurity and emergency financial needs.

“Frankly, that’s why we made such a significant investment, because otherwise we would have to open a clinic around here to do the same thing,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter.

To ensure affordability for patients, the facility will offer a sliding fee scale and accept all types of insurance, serving the entire community, not just the LGBTQ+ population.

“So when they come in, there will be a beautiful lobby with a staircase that takes you up to the office space, a two-story lobby, there are some skylights above that that let natural light into the space,” said Kimberly Montague, president and CEO of Albert Kahn Associates, Inc.

This is now the 11th community health center that retiring U.S. Senator Debbie Stanebow has helped open and is working toward getting it designated as a Federally Qualified Health Clinic.

“It’s about setting high standards,” Stanebow said. “I believe they will meet those standards and can do that. In the meantime, they’re going to get to work making sure the services are available here.”

Corktown Health in Hazel Park is expected to open in the first quarter of 2025.