On-site pharmacy coming in 2021 through partnership with Avita Pharmacy
Texas Health Action (THA) announced today the opening of its third Kind Clinic in Austin. The new clinic, which is located at 2800 S. I-35 Suite 103 (Fountain Park Plaza III) in south Austin, doubles the organization’s capacity to see patients. The south Austin location will be the first Kind Clinic to have an on-site pharmacy, which will open in 2021.
Kind Clinic—a program of Texas Health Action—has become the largest sexual health and wellness provider in Central Texas with specialized care for the LGBTQIA+ community in a safe and supportive environment. Kind Clinic offers patients access to the HIV prevention drug PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis), STI testing and treatment, HIV testing and care, gender-affirming care, and virtual health services. All services are offered free of charge and medications are provided at little-to-no cost.
“Kind Clinic South Austin opens greater access to sexual health services and saves time for those who live and work in south Austin,” Christopher Hamilton, chief executive officer of THA, said. “Since we began operations in 2015, we have served more than 10,000 patients and prescribed PrEP to more than 5,000 individuals. These numbers continue to grow, illustrating the ongoing need for health care in a safe and supportive environment.”
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Texas Health Action has pivoted operations to expand telemedicine services, added drop-in testing to the north Austin location, and now Kind Clinic South Austin—which offers eight exam rooms—will double the organization’s capacity to provide sexual wellness services. In early 2021, Avita Pharmacy will provide an on-site pharmacy at the south Austin location, allowing patients to leave their appointment with medication in hand.
Lauren DeLoach, pharmacist in charge at Avita Pharmacy in Austin, said, “It can be hard for patients to find a pharmacist who understands the unique health care needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals. In fact, just one negative experience filling a prescription can stop a patient from continuing their medication. Our pharmacists are fully trained to ensure all patients are comfortable and their needs are uniquely met.”
As part of the south Austin expansion, Texas Health Action will launch a new testing van, which will bring STI and HIV testing services directly to underserved areas of the community.
With locations in south, central and north Austin, Kind Clinic strives to provide sexual health services to all members of the community regardless of race, creed, gender expression or sexual orientation. For more information about Kind Clinic or to make an appointment, visit www.kindclinic.org.
