Howard Brown

Howard Brown Health is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare and social services to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community in Chicago. Established in 1974, it has grown to become one of the nation's largest LGBTQ health centers. It offers a wide range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of this community.

Healthcare Services

Howard Brown Health offers a variety of medical services, including:

• Primary Care: General medical care for individuals of all ages, ensuring accessible and inclusive healthcare.
• Behavioral Health: Mental health services, including counseling and therapy, to support emotional well-being.
• Dental Care: Comprehensive dental services to maintain oral health.
• Sexual and Reproductive Health: Services such as HIV testing, PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), and sexual health education.
• Trans and Gender Diverse Health: Specialized care addressing the unique health needs of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals.
• Men’s and Women’s Health: Gender-specific healthcare services, including screenings and preventive care.
• Youth Services: Programs like the Broadway Youth Center, which offers support for LGBTQ youth aged 12–24, including housing assistance, education, and social services.

Social Services and Community Initiatives

Beyond healthcare, Howard Brown Health is committed to addressing social determinants of health through various programs:

• Housing Assistance: Support for LGBTQ individuals facing homelessness or housing instability.
• Employment Services: Job placement assistance and vocational training to promote economic stability.
• Food Security: Access to food banks and nutritional support for those in need.
• Education and Advocacy: Educational programs and advocacy efforts aimed at promoting LGBTQ rights and health equity.
• Research and Policy: Conducting research to inform policies that affect the LGBTQ community and advocating for systemic change.

Locations

Howard Brown Health operates multiple clinics across Chicago, each offering a range of services:

• Sheridan Clinic: Located at 4025 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL 60613, this clinic provides primary care, sexual health testing, and prevention services.
• Clark Clinic: Situated at 6500 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60626, offering services including queer family building, geriatric medicine, and aging services.
• 55th Street Clinic: Found at 1525 E 55th St., Chicago, IL 60637, providing primary care, HIV services, and behavioral health support.
• Broadway Youth Center: Located at 1023 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL 60613, dedicated to improving the quality of life for LGBTQ youth aged 12–24.
• Additionally, Howard Brown Health operates three Brown Elephant resale shops in Chicago's Lakeview and Andersonville neighborhoods and in Oak Park.

Recent Developments

In May 2024, Howard Brown Health announced the closure of two clinics due to financial challenges and provider departures. These were the Diversey Clinic at 2800 N. Sheridan Road and the Thresholds South Clinic at 734 W. 47th St.

Patients from these clinics are being reassigned to other Howard Brown Health locations to ensure continuity of care.

Location Overview

The organization's primary location is in Chicago, IL, USA, where it centers its healthcare and community services to support the local LGBTQ population.