Our Vision
Health equity for all
Our Mission
Core Values
Inclusive – We welcome people of all ethnicities, races, genders, sexual orientations, income-levels and backgrounds.
Affirming – We respect every person who comes to our clinic as an expert on their own bodies and lived experiences.
Accountable – We embrace community responsibility as we work together toward improved health and well-being.
History of Corktown Health
The idea of developing an LGBTQ focused primary health care center began five years ago in a strategic planning session with the board of directors of the Health Emergency Lifeline Programs (HELP) in Detroit. After thirty years of providing services to thousands of persons living with HIV, it was clear that more needed to be done to address the lack of primary care that is focused on the LGBTQ community. Unlike other metropolitan areas, Southeastern Michigan lacked an agency that was committed to the health of the LGBTQ community.
The HELP board committed its financial reserves and sought the assistance of new donors to help acquire and renovate the building where it had been housed for ten years. Formal collaborations were established which draw upon the vast academic and healthcare resources in our region. Our numerous discussions with other LGBTQ health centers, funders, government agencies, stakeholders, and researchers have helped solidify our belief that this region is long overdue for a place like Corktown Health Center.
Corktown Health Center is an evolving, collaborative work-in-progress. We are pleased to begin offering the services most requested by the community. But we are just getting started! Planning and collaboration will continue as we add new programs and services that meet your needs.
Dedicated to Serve
LGBT individuals and families have the same basic health needs as everyone else. Yet, their heightened risk of exposure to micro-and macro-level discrimination by people ranging from close family members to their healthcare teams underscores existing gaps in healthcare as well as the need for a health center that provides safe, affirming, high-quality care. Additionally, LGBT individuals are underrepresented in the medical field, creating a healthcare environment in which the LGBT patients often become the teachers for the very providers who should already be their healthcare experts. Corktown Health is Michigan’s first clinic dedicated to not only affirming LGBT patient experience and providing high-level care, but to training a new generation of Southeastern Michigan providers who can do the same. Our goal is to transform the way healthcare is delivered and experienced in Southeast Michigan and have a positive impact on LGBT community health.