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Page 4SynapseOctober 28,1978Men 5 clinicReproductive health counseling for menMen’s Clinic counselors Michael Castleman and Debbie Rogow lead a group education discussion.By Donna Ferriero and Sharon Dobie“Would you be more careful if it were you that got pregnant” reads a poster depicting a pregnant” man.This sentiment has fostered the idea of a male reproduction clinic which now operates at Health Center IV. one of the district health centers under the S.F. Dept, of Public Health.Health Center IV now has two clinics whose specific aims are male health needs,especially family planning and reproductive (genito-urinary) health problems. The first clinic, which began its operation in February, 1976. is located at Hospitality House, a United Way funded agency, at 146 Leavenworth. It was designed as a pilot clinic to assess the need for a clinicdevoted to male healthproblems.The favorable participation by San Francisco men in this clinic led to the creation of the “Men’s Reproductive HealthClinic (MRHC) at HealthCenter IV. MRHC has now been operative for three weeks.Equal participationAccording to the clinic’s brochure, the MRHC stresses that the decision to conceive a child or to prevent conception should be shared by both partners. The clinic’s major activities center around this belief. Specifically, services offered include health education and counseling about sexuality, birth control and changing sex roles.Men's Clinic wishes, however, to respond to male health care needs in a holistic fashion. To this end theyprovide counseling on any health topics, general physical exams and medical screening and referral of diseases such as hypertension and sickle cell anemia.Testing and referral are done for .venereal disease while diagnosis and treatment is provided for other sexually transmitted diseases (i.e. nonspecific urethritis, veneral warts, herpes). Information, counseling and referral are also available to persons considering vasectomies.OutreachCurrently the health workers at the center are spreading the word via family planning agencies and women's health centers throughout the city and Bay Area. They believe that since women usually bear the burden of birth control and abortion, and are therefore in touch with these healh centers, they will share the information with their partners and friends.Further outreach is planned specifically for the Chinatown area where Health Center IV is located. Jeff Leong, a bilingual counselor at MRHC and long time community worker in Chinatown, will coordinate this activity.The clinic plans to establish a medical advisory board to ensure coordinated and effective referrals and to solicit active community participation in decision making processes.ProcessWhen a man comes into the clinic, he is presented with a medical history fact sheet to complete and with a generous selection of literature, pertinent to men’s health. A counselor then reviews thehistory with the client, records vital signs and talks with the man about his needs.This rap session can be one-on-one or in groups. It usually covers the philosophies of the clinic, education about drugs and disease and any general or specific questions or feelings that have been raised.Following this initial interview, the man visits with the doctor. Rick De Napoli, who performs a physical examination, treats specific diseases or concerns, and makes referrals for problems outside the scope of the clinic. Lab work is also performed; this includes urinalysis, blood analysis and gc smears. Medications are available if needed.The patient is then asked to evaluate the process while he waits for lab results. Thefeedback so far on both the information dispensed and the personal contact and care has been positive. Counselors are available at the end of the visit for any questions or comments about the patient’s medical findings. Also during this time, all men are encouraged to take home free condoms, foam and applicators.The clinic is a free service to all San Francisco men. It is located at Health Center IV. 1490 Mason Street. Clinic hours are every Wednesday, 5:15 to 8:00 p.m. Presently the staff includes three counselors, one physician, one medical aide, one volunteer receptionist, and participation by the coordinator of counseling for the Health Center. Childcare is provided.Other Men’s Services in the Bay Area:— S.F. Men’s Switchboard, 2462 Clay St. 922-5247.— East Oakland Planned Parenthood - The Men Clinic. 98th Ave. and E. 14th St.. Oakland.Gay Health:Operation Concern, Pacific Medical Center, Sacramento St.. S.F.Clinic for Special Problems. 2107 Van Ness and Broadway,S.F.Berkeley Men’s Center, Unitas House. College and Bancroft. Berkeley.Pacific Center, P.O. Box 908, Berkeley.
Newspaper Details
San Francisco Synapse
San Francisco, California, US
Thu, Oct 28, 1976
Page 12
Full Page
Clipped by
Annie M.
AU 05 Feb 2024
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