Rob Phoenix of the Huntridge Family Clinic awarded Public Health Hero Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 26, 2018

LAS VEGAS – John “Rob” Phoenix, APRN, founder of the Huntridge Family Clinic, is well-known for the exceptional service he provides to the LGBTQ community. Today, the Southern Nevada Health District recognized Phoenix for this service, and his partnership with its Office of Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance. His efforts have increased staff’s access to patients living with HIV, leading to improved access to medical care, community resources, and treatment options. For his enduring efforts on behalf of his patients, the Health District awarded him its 2018 Public Health Hero award. The award is presented each year to an individual or an organization whose efforts positively impact the health and well-being of the community. Phoenix was nominated by Cheryl Radeloff, Disease Investigation and Intervention Specialist at the Health District.

“Rob and the Huntridge Clinic are Public Health Heroes, with or without this nomination,” said Radeloff. “Professionally, I have been working with him and his practice for several years. During this time, his accessibility and willingness to offer medical services and assistance to his patients have made him an important partner for our office as well as to the LGBTQ community.”

Led by Phoenix, the Huntridge Family Clinic provides culturally competent care for the LGBTQ, nonresident, non-English speaking, and low-income communities. He works closely with Health District staff to encourage his clients who test positive for HIV or an STD to work with the disease investigators and to assist in ensuring they receive timely treatment.

“We recognize Rob and the Huntridge Family Clinic today not just for their outstanding partnership with the Health District, but also for their outstanding partnership with the community that they serve so well,” said Dr. Joe Iser, Chief Health Officer. “Rob and his practice are a model of the effectiveness of health care and public health working together to raise the health status of our community. They are truly deserving of this year’s recognition.”

Phoenix serves as an educator to provide information and resources about LGBTQ needs to the health care community, and he is at the forefront of addressing the sexual health needs of Southern Nevada’s transgender community. Phoenix and his staff at the Huntridge Family Clinic encourage patients and clients to participate in national research initiatives in emerging areas surrounding HIV prevention and care. They are active participants in the Southern Nevada HIV Prevention Planning Group and are trained in the Rapid HIV Testing, Counseling, Safety, and Certificate Program.

Public Health Heroes are nominated by Health District staff members for their efforts in supporting one or more of the 10 Essential Public Health Services:

1. Monitor the health status to identify and solve community health problems.
2. Diagnose and investigate health problems and health hazards in the community.
3. Inform, educate, and empower people about health issues.
4. Mobilize community partnerships and action to identify and solve health problems.
5. Develop policies and plans that support individual and community health efforts.
6. Enforce laws and regulations that protect health and ensure safety.
7. Link people to needed health services, assure the provision of healthcare when unavailable.
8. Assure competent public and personal health care workforce.
9. Evaluate effectiveness, accessibility, and quality of personal and population-based health services.
10. Research for new insights and innovative solution to health problems.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.