The Prism Wellness and Community Center: A model for inclusive design

Even as the healthcare sector makes strides in improving in safety, accuracy, and patient experience, there remain populations who struggle to receive personalized care. One such group is the LGBTQIA+ community, which has not always been embraced in mainstream or even inclusive design initiatives.

The Prism Wellness and Community Center is an imagined prototype clinic centered around specialized wellness and gender-affirming care to serve and give voice to those who may be underrepresented. It is intended to provide a safe and inclusive environment that addresses and celebrates all parts (physical, emotional, and social) of the LGBTQIA+ culture and identity. The clinic itself is not affiliated with a health system, but the components and design concepts addressed in the prototype can stand alone or serve as a part of a larger wellness campus.

This white paper includes:

• Comprehensive background information and research, such as personal interviews, benchmarking, and a state-level legislative review, that highlight the challenges of stigma and misinformation facing this and other underserved communities
• A detailed discussion of the Prism Wellness and Community Center prototype, and design considerations that address specific needs identified through the research. The prototype comprises primary care, specialty care, behavioral health, advocacy support, an unhoused center, urgent care, support services, a laboratory pharmacy, and more.

Click here to download the Page white paper.