Nonprofit accepting new patients through virtual telehealth service
SAN ANTONIO—Texas Health Action (THA), a nonprofit that advances sexual wellness by providing healthcare in a safe and supportive environment, is accepting new patients through TeleKind—THA’s telehealth service that connects individuals to a Kind Clinic provider through secure two-way video. Kind Clinic is a program of THA that delivers comprehensive sexual health services to all, regardless of race, creed, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or ability to pay.
THA opened San Antonio’s first stand-alone Kind Clinic in March, providing access to HIV prevention medication for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis), care for people living with HIV, STI testing and treatment, and gender-affirming care.
“As we all follow physical distancing guidance and safety protocols, we will continue to provide quality care, free of judgment and stigma in the comfort of peoples’ homes virtually through TeleKind. We’re proud of our frontline medical providers who understand the unique needs of the LGBTQIA+ community and continue to innovate to bring uninterrupted care to the community,” Christopher Hamilton, chief executive officer of THA, said. Hamilton added, “We look forward to celebrating the official opening of Kind Clinic San Antonio with a community ribbon cutting once it is safe to do so.”
Through TeleKind, new and current patients will also have access to Kind Clinic patient advocates who are dedicated to removing barriers related to receiving comprehensive sexual healthcare.
“People are facing many challenges during this time, and our advocate team is here to help new and current patients, in either English or Spanish, navigate potential barriers to care,” Yvonne Venegas, Kind Clinic San Antonio Clinic Administrator, said. “Those who can’t afford access to comprehensive sexual healthcare and medication may receive financial assistance through our Kind Patient Assistance Program.”
A telehealth visit may also be conducted via phone for patients without access to a smart phone or computer with a web camera.
The new 5,736-square-foot clinic in San Antonio continues to fulfill essential lab and clinic functions with ample space for patient physical distancing as needed. In-person appointments are limited to lab draws and follow-up exams as ordered by a Kind Clinic provider. All patients are screened prior to entering the clinic. Patients picking up medications for treatments may choose to receive their medication from clinic staff in front of the facility, through a local pharmacy, or by mail. Other safety protocol updates will be shared on Kind Clinic’s website at www.kindclinic.org.
Kind Clinic will add drop-in STI testing hours beginning on Monday, April 27 on a first come, first served basis for new and existing patients. Patients will register at the clinic, return to their vehicle and will receive text updates for estimated wait and drop-in times. Kind Clinic will not be able to test patients with any COVID-19 symptoms. All patients must wear a mask for appointments and will be screened upon entry to the clinic for symptoms and temperature.
Drop-in STI testing hours for San Antonio, beginning on April 27, are as follows:
Monday
10 a.m.—12 p.m. and 12:30.— 4 p.m.
Tuesday
10 a.m.—12 p.m. and 12:30— 4 p.m.
Wednesday
11:30 a.m.—2:30 p.m. and 3—6 p.m.
Thursday
10 a.m.—12 p.m. and 12:30— 4 p.m.
Friday
10 a.m.—12 p.m. and 12:30— 4 p.m.
Kind Clinic is located at 730 Isom Road in San Antonio and serves patients
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9 a.m.–noon and 1–5 p.m.; and Wednesday 11 a.m.–3 p.m. and 4–7 p.m.
For more information about Kind Clinic or to make an appointment through TeleKind, visit the Kind Clinic Website
For Spanish, click HERE
About Texas Health Action
Texas Health Action is an Austin-based nonprofit organization that works to advance the community’s sexual wellness by providing culturally competent, comprehensive sexual health services. Since 2015, Texas Health Action has worked to promote and provide sexual wellness, free of stigma and judgment, and has empowered the entire community through community outreach and education, medical care through Kind Clinic, highly effective health programs, and research. Texas Health Action is led by CEO Christopher Hamilton and is located at 8140 N. Mopac Expwy. Bldg. 2, Ste. 130. For more information on Texas Health Action or Kind Clinic, please call 512-853-9547 or visit www.texashealthaction.org.
About Kind Clinic
A national leader in innovative medical care, Kind Clinic provides comprehensive sexual wellness and health services to all members of the community with special attention to LGBTQIA+ people and allies, regardless of race, creed, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or ability to pay. Since its launch in 2015, Kind Clinic’s medical services have been designed and executed under the guidance of Dr. Cynthia Brinson, its chief medical officer. Kind Clinic provides PrEP and PEP access services for HIV prevention, HIV testing, care for people living with HIV, STI testing and treatment, and gender-affirming care in Austin and San Antonio. Kind Clinic is a program of Texas Health Action. For more information about Kind Clinic, please call 1-833-WE-R-KIND (1-833-937-5463) or visit www.kindclinic.org.
