June is a unique month in health care. It is both Men’s Health Month and Pride Month, offering an important opportunity to recognize the diverse health needs of our communities while reinforcing a simple but powerful principle: health care works best when it is personalized.
Every patient brings a unique story, life experience and set of health care needs. Yet for many gay and bisexual men, accessing care has not always been easy. Some have experienced stigma or misunderstanding in health care settings. Others have delayed preventive care because they were unsure whether they would feel comfortable discussing important aspects of their health openly and honestly.
The result is that too many individuals miss opportunities for early intervention, preventive screenings and ongoing wellness support.
As physicians, we know that prevention saves lives. Routine primary care visits, cancer screenings, cardiovascular health assessments, behavioral health support, and sexual health services are critical components of maintaining long-term health. But these conversations can only happen when patients feel respected, heard and understood.
That is why personalized care matters.
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At One Bergen Health and Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, we believe health care should never be one-size-fits-all. We are committed to meeting patients where they are, understanding their individual needs and creating care experiences that build trust and improve outcomes.
This commitment is reflected in the work of our LGBTQ+ Health and Wellness Center, which provides comprehensive health care services in an environment designed to support and affirm every patient who walks through our doors.
The Center offers access to primary care, preventive health services, chronic disease management, behavioral health support, sexual health services, and connections to specialty care. Just as importantly, it provides a place where patients can engage in open conversations about their health without fear of judgment.
For gay and bisexual men, those conversations may include heart health, cancer prevention, HIV prevention and treatment, mental health, healthy aging, and overall wellness. These are not separate conversations from health care. They are health care.
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Mental health is another important part of the discussion. Research continues to show that LGBTQ+ individuals may face higher rates of anxiety, depression, and other behavioral health concerns due to experiences such as discrimination, social isolation, or stigma. Addressing these challenges requires a whole-person approach that recognizes the strong connection between emotional well-being and physical health.
As we celebrate Pride Month, we honor the resilience, strength, and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. As we observe Men’s Health Month, we encourage all men to take an active role in their health by scheduling preventive screenings, establishing a relationship with a primary care provider and seeking care before a health concern becomes a crisis.
Health care is at its best when patients feel seen as individuals, not diagnoses. When care is personalized, trust grows. When trust grows, people are more likely to seek care. And when people seek care, healthier communities become possible.
That is the promise of personalized care.
Christopher Awwad is the President and Chief Physician Executive at One Bergen Health.
For information about One Bergen Health, go to newbridgehealth.org/one-bergen-health/.
