Health & Wellness
Healthcare for LGBTQIA+
healthcare programs
Due to low rates of insurance coverage, discrimination, and a lack of cultural competency in the health care system, LGBTQIA+ people are at a higher risk for cancer, mental illnesses, and are more likely to smoke, abuse alcohol and drugs, and engage in other risky behaviors. Barriers to care often delay treatment until a condition is extremely difficult or even impossible to manage or cure.
By removing barriers to health services and closing the gap of disparities LGBTQIA+ persons face in receiving care, the Coastal Bend PRIDE Center and Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation programs can improve health outcomes for our loved ones and our community. CBWF is dedicated to providing the best health and wellness services that are sensitive to the unique needs of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Services are available and affordable to everyone, with some services provided based on a sliding fee scale.
Programs and services for LGBTQIA+ include the following:
Free HIV & STI Testing, condoms, linkage to PREP/PEP
Ryan White Case Management and Support Services for People Living with HIV
Case Management and Support Services for coming out, transitioning, and behavioral services
Smoking Cessation Program
Questions may be directed to the Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation by calling 361-814-2001.
Access free, confidential sexual health testing through the CBWF.
HIV - rapid screening and confirmatory testing
Syphilis – rapid screening and confirmatory testing
Hep C – rapid screening and confirmatory Testing
Gonorrhea – self-collection tests (urine, oral, rectal)
Chlamydia – self-collection tests (urine, oral, rectal)
Must be at least 14 years old to receive testing services. Minors are eligible to receive sexual health testing and treatment services without parental consent (Texas Family Code §32.003 Consent to Treatment by Child). Walk-ins are welcome during weekly testing hours or schedule an appointment by contacting our community health outreach team at 361-814-2001 ext. 208.
Walk-In Testing Hours:
Monday: 8:30am-12:00pm & 1:30pm-4:00pm
Tuesday: 11:30am-3:00pm & 4:30pm-7:00pm
Wednesday: 8:30am-12:00pm & 1:30pm-4:00pm
Thursday: 8:30am-12:00pm & 1:30pm-6:00pm
Friday: 8:30am-12:00pm & 1:30pm-4:00pm
We also provide free HIV/STI testing through our mobile testing unit, free condoms at 50+ distribution locations, and linkage to full PrEP/PEP services, including labs, prescriptions, insurance help, and patient navigation for those looking to prevent HIV.
Ready to take control of your sexual health?
To become a patient of the Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation, request an appointment online, or learn more about our sliding-scale fee program, visit https://www.cbwellness.org/become-a-patient.
For more information on our community health outreach services, visit https://www.cbwellness.org/sexual-health-services-and-testing
FREE HIV/sTI Testing
Our NEW Smoking Cessation Program is designed to support LGBTQ+ individuals ready to take the first step toward a tobacco-free life! Together, we can create a smoke-free environment.
This FREE program includes:
Personalized counseling
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Access to medical & community resources
Educational materials & coaching
Ongoing follow-up for long-term success
Tobacco cessation
Schedule an appointment with the Pride Center to enroll! Call 361-557-7433 or email info@cbpridecenter.org
free counseling
The Coastal Bend Pride Center’s free counseling service is currently available. If you are in need of counseling related to gender identity, sexual orientation, coming out, navigating relationships, family, or LGBTQ+ related topics, our counseling intern will be happy to help you!
To check for availability, please call the Pride Center at 361-557-7433 or email us at info@cbpridecenter.org.
The Pride Center can also refer you to the Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation’s counseling services. For more information regarding their year-round counseling, therapy, and psychiatric care, visit https://www.cbwellness.org/behavioral-health or call 361-814-2001.
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, contact 1-888-767-4493 or 1-800-841-6467.
The Coastal Bend Pride Center is able to provide our clients access to the Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation’s food pantry. The Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation food pantry is located at 2882 Holly Road, Corpus Christi, TX 78415.
For food pantry needs or eligibility, please contact Pride Center staff at 361-557-7433 and visit the Coastal Bend Food Bank’s website to see where your nearest food pantry is.
Please note the Pride Center does not receive food donations; all donations should be made directly to the Coastal Bend Food Bank.
