Health Care Advocates International

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Health Care Advocates International

HCAI is a health & advocacy organization dedicated to serving the needs of the LGBTQ+ community We take our mission to heart at HCAI – and it shows.

At Health Care Advocates International (HCAI), we believe all patients should be treated equally, with the same compassion, concern, empathy, and access to quality, comprehensive healthcare. Dr. Gary Blick and the rest of the team at HCAI are dedicated to serving the unique medical needs of the LGBTQ community as well as helping to end stigma and discrimination surrounding HIV/AIDS. It is our aim to ensure your healthcare visit with us is comfortable, safe, and supportive. As an HCAI patient, you can expect a highly personalized healthcare experience by expert medical providers specially attuned to your needs.

04/10/2026

Today’s young people are the first generation who have never known a world without HIV and AIDS.

The CDC reports that in 2020, youth aged 13 to 24 made up 21% of the new HIV diagnoses in the United States. 📈

Young people deserve a provider they trust when it comes to discussing topics like prevention and 🩺

📱Reach out today if you or someone you know is in need of care. We will connect you with the right providers and resources to get the support you need.

04/07/2026

ICYMI: Last week, The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 8–1 to strike down Colorado’s conversion therapy ban. ⚖️

👉 What does this mean moving forward?

According to an article on LGBTQ Nation, talk therapy is protected under the First Amendment and the case will be sent back to lower courts for further review.

Bottom line: The ruling doesn’t legalize conversion therapy nationwide, but it raises the bar for states trying to ban it and keeps the legal fight ongoing.

While some supporters argue the decision protects free speech, advocates like HCAI, say rulings like this make it harder for states to limit harmful practices targeting young LGBTQ+ community members. 🏳️‍🌈

https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2026/03/supreme-court-rules-against-conversion-therapy-ban-in-8-1-decision/

04/06/2026

📢📢 Meet Drew Cosenza, MSN, APRN, AGNP-C, AAHIVS, HIVPCP. We are thrilled to welcome him back to the HCAI Family! 👋🫶

Drew is a nurse practitioner specializing in primary care, HIV prevention and treatment, LGBTQ+ health, and STI care. With a strong commitment to inclusive, culturally affirming, and evidence-based care, he focuses on supporting the whole patient—physically, emotionally, and socially.

His expertise includes PrEP, HIV treatment, and risk-reduction counseling, and he holds advanced credentials through the American Academy of HIV Medicine.

Drew is passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where patients feel seen, respected, and empowered in their healthcare journey 💙 If you are interested in becoming a patient at HCAI, reach out to us at (203) 345-0404. We look forward to meeting you!

04/02/2026

We’ve got some exciting news coming your way 👀

Make sure you’re following along—next week we’re welcoming someone new to the team 💙

At HCAI, we’re proud to provide inclusive, compassionate, and comprehensive care for the LGBTQ+ community in Connecticut and beyond. Stay tuned to meet our newest team member ✨

03/31/2026

March 31 is celebrated as Transgender Day of Visibility, a day to honor the lives, contributions, and resilience of transgender people while raising awareness of the challenges they face.

Trans and non-binary communities deserve to feel safe, seen, and supported—always. (Human Rights Campaign, 2026)

✔️Educate yourself
✔️Use inclusive and/or gender-neutral language
✔️Ask preferred pronouns
✔️Listen and know your limits as an ally

🏳️‍⚧️🩵

03/27/2026

🏳️‍🌈 72% of Americans support LGBTQ+ nondiscrimination protections.

So what’s changing?
📉 Support among 18–29-year-olds has dropped over the last decade
⚖️ Divides remain across political, religious, and generational lines

There’s still work to do. 💪🏳️‍🌈

03/25/2026

💉Is PrEP right for you?

HCAI is proud to be able to provide PrEP in all its forms. 💊

If you are interested in learning more or receiving medication, call us at (203) 345-0404. 👩‍⚕️💙

03/24/2026

🌟 This Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating leaders like Dr. Rachel Levine — a groundbreaking physician, public health champion, and the first openly transgender federal official confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

From advancing national health policy to advocating for equity and innovation, her work continues to shape a healthier, more inclusive future for all. 💙

At HCAI, our mission continues to be inclusive, compassionate and comprehensive healthcare for each and every patient who walks through our door. 🫶🩺

03/19/2026

HCAI is now accepting new patients 🙌🏽

If you are in need of a medical provider, call us today or visit our website for more information: https://www.hcaillc.com/

And be sure to follow us on social for all official HCAI updates. 💙🥰🩺

03/18/2026

⚡ STI myths are everywhere—and breaking them down matters.

In LGBTQ+ spaces especially, misinformation and stigma can delay care. 🏳️‍🌈

Myth #1: “I’d know if I had an STI.”
Spoiler: Many STIs have zero symptoms. Get tested. Stay informed. 💛

HCAI offers STI testing, primary care and mental health services. Give us a call today at (203) 345-0404.

03/17/2026

According to KFF analysis of CDC data published in 2024, women account for approximately one in five new HIV diagnoses and 22% of the estimated 1.2 million people living with the virus in the U.S. today. 🩺

Women of color, particularly Black women, have been disproportionately impacted and represent the majority of women living with HIV, as well as the majority of new diagnoses among women. 🏥📈💙

Access to care for women in the U.S health care system remains a significant challenge. If you or someone you know may have been exposed to HIV/AIDS and need care or have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out or visit our website for more information: https://www.hcaillc.com/

03/13/2026

GOOD NEWS:💥🌈 When Florida took their crosswalks, they took to the night sky. Pride always wins. ✨🏳️‍🌈

Address

2595 Main Street
Stratford, CT
06615

Website

https://www.hcaillc.com/

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Our Story

Health Care Advocates International™ (HCAI™) was founded by Dr. Gary Blick to provide quality, state-of- the-art, caring, compassionate and comprehensive preventative primary and specialty healthcare. Dr. Blick, celebrating 30 years in the medical profession providing his own state-of- the-art, personalized medical care for the le***an, men who have s*x with men, and transgender communities, as well as for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and chronic hepatitis B and C infection, continues to provide his unique quality-of- care at HCAI™. Only at HCAI™ can you receive his special brand of medical care and treatment. At HCAI™, you will build a special relationship, tailored to your unique needs, with Dr. Blick’s experienced and compassionate staff composed of clinical and support staff.