Our Mission
To embrace and promote the health and wellbeing of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and gender diverse individuals through compassionate, comprehensive, and science-based care in a safe, welcoming, and affirming space.
Our History
2016
- Determined to set a new standard for LGBTQ health care in Connecticut, Anchor Health Initiative, or AHI, is founded as a Delaware corporation by A.C. Demidont, DO, AAHIVS; Patricia Chadwick; Jean Doyen de Montaillou; and David Grimes.
![Anchor Health Initiative's original logo](https://anchorhealthct.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/AHI-Logo-Final-1024x762.jpg)
- As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Demidont works out of a closet in the New Haven Health Department with a laptop, a cellphone, a stethoscope, and a vision.
- The IRS approves AHI as a 501(c)(3) organization.
2017
- AHI opens an office in Stamford, CT.
![The front door of AHI's Stamford office.](https://anchorhealthct.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Anchor-Health-Location-in-CT-1024x683.jpg)
(Michael Cummo/Hearst Connecticut Media)
- First full-time medical assistant Abby Carrell-Thomas, CMA, is hired.
2018
- Dr. Demidont is honored for her service to the LGBTQ community at New Haven Pride Center’s 15th Annual Dorothy Awards.
![Dr. Demidont accepting her award at the Dorothy Awards in 2018.](https://anchorhealthct.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/2018.03-1024x683.jpg)
(Megan McGory-Gleason/New Haven Pride Center)
- Dr. Demidont and board member Jean Doyen de Montaillou feature in the Stamford Advocate’s article New Stamford LGBTQ clinic offers lifeline.
Patient Total
699
Number Of Staff
9
2019
![The main hallway in Anchor Health's Hamden office.](https://anchorhealthct.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/1-copy.jpg)
- AHI transitions out of New Haven and into a new office space in Hamden, CT.
- The Connecticut Department of Public Health approves AHI for HIV Prevention Program Grant.
- Onsite pharmacy opens in Stamford. Through the 340B Program, Anchor Health Pharmacy offers discounted pricing to ensure uninsured, underinsured, and low-income patients can afford their medications.
![Dr. Demidont with various sex toys for her demonstration.](https://anchorhealthct.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/2019.05.png)
Dr. Demidont prepares for a thorough discussion.
- In collaboration with Scooby (Mr. CT Leather 2017) and Mr. Sperry
(Mr. CT Leather 2019), AHI and New Haven Pride Center host first LGBTQ health workshop together, Approaching Uranus: What’s up with your butt?
- First full-time nurse Chris Adams is hired.
- Dr. Demidont is honored at YWCA Greenwich’s Women Who Inspire Awards.
![Chief Administrative Officer and Dr. Demidont holding Dr. Demidont's award.](https://anchorhealthct.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/2019.11.jpg)
Chief Administrative Officer Patricia Chadwick and Dr. Demidont. (Fairfield County Look)
Patient Total
1,388
Number Of Staff
15
2020
- Case Management Program launches to help close the gap of intersecting health disparities faced by LGBTQ people.
- As the COVID-19 pandemic affects the globe, AHI shifts from all in-person appointments to exclusively telemedicine within days.
![Anchor Health staff and volunteers at a Black Lives Matter rally in 2020.](https://anchorhealthct.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Anchor-Healh-CT-Black-Trans-Priide-Mural-2-719-1024x683.jpg)
Gabby Yearwood (left), Natalia Arias, and a volunteer at a protest in Fairfield for the Black LGBTQ community.
- AHI hits the ground running to support the Black Lives Matter protests. Staff hand out water bottles, snacks, hand sanitizer, and sunscreen to protestors from New Haven to Stamford.
- AHI merges with the Gender & Life-Affirming (GLAM) Center, a Hartford-based LGBTQ health care practice founded by AJ Eckert, DO.
![Dr. Eckert looking lovingly at their dog, Lupik.](https://anchorhealthct.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/AJ-3-722x1024.jpg)
Dr. Eckert with their dog and Anchor Health’s mascot, Lupik.
Patient Total
1,971
Number Of Staff
21
2021
- Due to significant patient growth, AHI expands its Hamden office.
![Joseph Canarie staff photo.](https://anchorhealthct.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Anchor-Health-CT-Joseph-Canarie-810x1024.jpg)
- Joseph Canarie, MD, FAAP, joins as the full-time Medical Director of AHI’s HIV Prevention & Treatment Program.
- AHI introduces behavioral health care to its services.
- For Transgender Awareness Week, Head of Case Management & Public Policy Caroline Chadwick facilitates first trans ID clinic with New Haven Pride Center.
Patient Total
2,571
Number Of Staff
26
2022
- AHI shortens its operating name to Anchor Health and debuts a new logo and website.
![Anchor Health 2022 Logo](https://anchorhealthct.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Stacked_Logomark_Gradient_Large-1024x476.png)
Our primary logo consists of two elements: the multicolor gradient Anchor symbol and the Anchor Health wordmark.