The Institute for Family Health’s PurpLE Clinic Adopts New Name – the TLC Clinic – in Recognition of Trauma-Informed Approach to Care

New York, NY (October 21, 2019) – The Institute for Family Health is excited to announce that as of October 21, 2019, the PurpLE (Purpose: Listen and Engage) Clinic will be known as the TLC (Trauma-Informed Linkage to Care) Clinic. This new name more clearly articulates the trauma-informed approach to primary medical care that the clinic’s highly trained care team provides to survivors of sexual violence, including those who have suffered from sexual assault, domestic violence and sex trafficking.

Dr. Linda Prine, director of women’s health at the Institute and the TLC Clinic’s director, said, “We are excited to be adopting a name for our services that more directly speaks to the compassionate care we provide. Linking survivors to trauma-informed services is central to what we do at the clinic. We provide care that is kind, attentive and considerate of their needs.”

The Institute for Family Health, founded in 1983, is dedicated to developing innovative ways to provide primary health services to medically underserved populations. In July 2015, the Institute launched the PurpLE Clinic, New York City’s first community health center-based clinic focused on serving the needs of individuals traumatized by sexual violence. The TLC Clinic evolved from the PurpLE Clinic, which was founded by Anita Ravi, MD, MPH, MSHP. The TLC Clinic leadership and care team currently includes Rebecca Green, LMSW, the Institute’s program director for HIV care and prevention, who will serve as administrator for the TLC Clinic; Keisha Walcott, community wellness advocate; Charina Betances, program associate; and a team of medical and mental health providers specially trained to meet the unique needs of survivors of trafficking and other forms of violence and exploitation.

The clinic offers a wide range of compassionate services tailored to the circumstances and needs of survivors, such as medical care for acute and chronic illnesses, comprehensive reproductive and sexual health care, preventive screenings and services, and mental health care. The TLC Clinic will continue to provide these services to all who seek care, regardless of insurance, immigration status or ability to pay.

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The Institute for Family Health (www.institute.org) is a federally qualified health center network that operates 31 practices in New York State serving more than 115,000 patients annually.  Services are available to people of all ages, regardless of ability to pay.