Mission & History

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
  • 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.
(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.
(Megan McGory-Gleason/New Haven Pride Center)

Patient Total

699

Number Of Staff

9

2019

The main hallway in Anchor Health's Hamden office.
  • 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.
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.
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.

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.

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.
  • 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

Our primary logo consists of two elements: the multicolor gradient Anchor symbol and the Anchor Health wordmark.