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Valley Medical Group’s latest office aims to offer comprehensive services for the LGBTQ+ community in a safe and inviting space.

Located at 95 Route 17 S., Suite 105 in Paramus, the Center for LGBTQ+ Care’s opening was announced March 13. According to Valley Medical Group, it recently welcomed Dr. Raffaele Bernardo as medical director of LGBTQ+ Services. In addition to seeing patients as a primary care physician, Bernardo will oversee the center’s operations.

According to Valley, the center will also offer:

• HIV prevention services and treatment;
• Transgender care, including gender-affirming hormone therapy;
• Gynecologic services;
• Sexual health services;
• Referrals to fertility services.

“We are here to provide members of the LGBTQ+ community the comprehensive health care they deserve in a safe and affirming space,” Bernardo said. “We want to eliminate health care disparities, optimize access to care, and improve health care outcomes within the community by providing a place where patients can receive the care they need under one roof, with referrals to allied health professionals, if needed.”

Valley said if specialists visits are necessary, the Center will refer patients to an LGBTQ+-affirming practitioner within its network.

Additionally, all staff members at the Center have received both cultural and sensitivity training to provide LGBTQ+ care.

Part of Ridgewood-based Valley Health System, Valley Medical Group features more than 300 physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners across nearly 30 specialties. The group serves more than 20 towns in North Jersey and southern New York State as well as The Valley Hospital, which will relocate to a brand-new facility next month, and the system’s outpatient faculties.

In 2023, Garden State Equality launched its Affirming Healthcare Map. The repository from the state’s largest LGBTQ+ advocacy group offers a directory of LGBTQ-friendly health care providers.

Elsewhere in Paramus, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center also serves the community from its LGBTQ+ Health & Wellness Center.