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.
- 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.
(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.
(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
- 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 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 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.
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. AJ Eckert, DO, leads AHI’s GLAM Program as its Medical Director.
Dr. Eckert with their dog and Anchor Health’s mascot, Lupik.
- Queering Health with Dr. E premieres on YouTube and IGTV with Being Trans During Transgender Day of Remembrance. Queering Health focuses on demystifying LGBTQ health care and promoting the wellness of queer people.
Patient Total
1,971
Number Of Staff
21
2021
- Due to significant patient growth, AHI expands its Hamden office.
- 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.
Our primary logo consists of two elements: the multicolor gradient Anchor symbol and the Anchor Health wordmark.
(Lucy Gellman/The Arts Council of Greater New Haven)
- Dr. Eckert is honored for their service to the LGBTQ community at New Haven Pride Center’s 19th Annual Dorothy Awards.