Health Care Advocates International

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Stratford, CT
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.

08/20/2025

The South is disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic, accounting for 52% of all new HIV diagnoses while representing only 38% of the U.S. population.

Did you know, 14% of people living with HIV in the South remain unaware of their status? This region also has the lowest PrEP-to-Need Ratio in the country—just 12 PrEP users for every new HIV diagnosis in 2024.

Behind these statistics are real people facing systemic barriers to prevention, testing, and treatment. Today, we recommit to ensuring equitable healthcare access for all communities. Let’s change the pattern 🌎❤️

08/19/2025

📣 Do you know an LGBTQ+ organization in need of funding? Share, comment and tag them here!!📣

The HCAI Fund deadline to apply is quickly approaching! ⏳

⏰ Applications Due By: Tuesday, September 30

We are providing grants to 501(c)(3) organizations that strengthen, serve, and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. ❤️🏳️‍🌈

Visit our site to read the full grant guidelines and to apply: https://www.hcaillc.com/advocacy-programs/grant-program

08/11/2025

Summer isn't over yet, but the days are winding down. Time to squeeze in one more dance, dip and moment of loud, proud living 🏳️‍🌈

Here are a few ways to be sure you're living your best and safest end to summer's final days 🌊☀️🏖️

08/08/2025

📢Connecticut ranks #7 for LGBTQ+ safety in the US! 🏳️‍🌈

Last week, Equaldex dropped its latest state-by-state safety rankings for LGBTQ+ Americans, and Connecticut made the top 10.

Here's how they measured it:

• Legal Index: Legal status across 13 key areas (from transgender rights to LGBTQ+ discrimination protections)

• Public Opinion Index: Public sentiment based on surveys and polling data

Both scores are then averaged to reveal the Equality Index rating. Our data is proof that when legal protections align with public support, real safety follows. Progress worth celebrating, with more work ahead. 💪

08/05/2025

OUTMemphis is a place where the LGBTQ+ community is proud all year round. Through housing support, healthcare navigation and their community engagement programming - they provide a safe, supportive and affirming environment for all those who seek help. 🌈

Through the HCAI Fund, they continue to provide lifesaving, affirming services through the Metamorphosis Project, OUTLast Emergency Assistance, and their Health & Wellness Program. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

It was an honor to provide OUT Memphis with a grant to help strengthen, serve and advocate for their community 🙌🏼💕

Our second round of grant funding for this year is currently open and we are accepting applications through Sept. 30. Visit our website to learn more: https://www.hcaillc.com/advocacy-programs/grant-program

07/31/2025

gender dysphoria:

a feeling of distress that can happen when a person's gender identity differs from the s*x assigned at birth, according to the Mayo Clinic.

If you or someone you know may be experiencing gender dysphoria and need help, there are numerous organizations that provide support and resources including PFLAG National, Human Rights Campaign and The Trevor Project. Do not hesitate to reach out for more information.

07/30/2025

How the Pride flag became a symbol for LGBTQ rights is a different story depending on who you ask, but its origins are not always so harmonious.

Did you know, before the rainbow-striped flag many of us have come to know so well was used to stand for the LGBTQ+ community, a pink triangle was used, reappropriated by the LGBTQ+ community after the N***s used them to label gay men and le***ans in concentration camps?

Some myths have suggested Harvey Milk's friend and artist, Gilbert Baker, was responsible for the original rainbow design, while a 2018 LA Times article told a different tale of forgotten artists who helped conceptualize the flag’s creation.

One fact that can be agreed upon was the need for a variety of colors. The more colors, the more inclusion 🏳️‍🌈

07/29/2025

People living with HIV are living vibrant and healthy lives due to the many advances in medical treatment. However, it remains vitally important for patients to keep their viral load at an undetectable level. When HIV is undetectable, it cannot be transmitted to another person.

According to A Positive Life, while it's imperative to keep levels suppressed, that is just the beginning. Exercise, healthy eating, mental and emotional health and practicing safe s*x are all ways of living healthy with HIV.

To learn more about how you can live a happy and healthy life while living with HIV, visit https://www.hcaillc.com/ or reach out to us at (203) 345-0404.

07/24/2025

Have you met our (SW's) 💪🏽❤️

By sharing stories of adversity and triumph, our SW's help others feel seen in their struggles and empower them to live as their most authentic selves. Don't be afraid to raise your voice. Speak up. You never know who it might help 🌈 🤝🏻

To learn more about our SW program, visit our website 🔗 https://www.hcaillc.com/advocacy-programs/stigma-warrior

07/22/2025

Meet Amani. A graduate of Hall High School in West Hartford, Amani will be attending Spelman College in the fall and majoring in Computer Science 👏🏽 👏🏽 👏🏽

The HCAI Scholarship Program awards Connecticut students demonstrating excellence in the classroom and those making a difference in the community by demonstrating advocacy and/or allyship for the LGBTQ+ community. Be sure to follow us on social for more information and check back early next year on how you can apply.

07/21/2025

On Zero HIV Stigma Day, we stay committed to fighting and aim to as a global health threat by 2030. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), HIV remains a major global public health issue, having claimed an estimated 42.3 million lives to date.

While there is no cure for HIV infection, we do have effective HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. To learn more about what HCAI is doing to combat HIV, visit our site: https://www.hcaillc.com/

07/16/2025

📣📣ATTENTION ALL NON-PROFITS📣📣

HCAI's second round of grant funding has begun! We are now accepting applications through Sept. 30.

The HCAI Fund provides financial support to 501(c)(3) organizations that strengthen, serve and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community🏳️‍🌈

🔗 Visit our website to review grant guidelines and apply today! https://www.hcaillc.com/advocacy-programs/grant-program

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2595 Main Street
Stratford, CT
06615

Website

http://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.