LGBTQ+ Care
Schedule an Appointment
Call 1-866-231-4477 between 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. EST Monday-Friday.
Cherokee Health Systems’ (CHS) Wellspring Program provides an inclusive space for all to feel comfortable. Providers within the Wellspring Program are prepared to treat substance use disorders, hepatitis A, B, and C, sexually transmitted infections (STI), and can assist in HIV treatment and prevention. Our team is skilled at providing primary care to LGBTQ+ people, people who inject drugs, and people without homes. The Wellspring Program also employs a large cast of peer recovery and HIV prevention navigators. These navigators are people with lived experience in the LGBTQ+ and substance abuse community who can help move patients through the healthcare system.
Services
PrEP
Pre-exposure prophylaxis is a daily pill treatment people at risk for HIV take to prevent getting HIV from sex or injection drug use.
PEP
Post-exposure prophylaxis is a pill treatment that helps prevent HIV within 72 hours of a possible exposure.
HIV Testing
All of our health centers can collect 4th generation HIV tests. These tests are the most advanced and accurate lab tests available. Some health centers also offer rapid HIV tests, which can tell you results within 20 minutes.
STI Testing
All of our health centers are equipped to collect labs related to all common sexually transmitted infections. Treatment options are available for any possible diagnoses.
Substance Misuse Treatment
FDA-approved medications are available for the treatment of alcohol and opioid misuse. CHS also employs a team of certified peer recovery specialists who can help support you in your recovery process. Our MAT program follows an intensive outpatient model meaning patients have regular follow-ups with their provider and routinely speak with peer support and/or behavioral health providers.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Our providers offer masculinizing and feminizing gender affirming care. Treatment plans are determined collaboratively between the patient and provider. A behavioral health screening and diagnosis is NOT needed before beginning care.
*This service is available to adults 18 years and older only
Meet Dr. Kolarik
Dr. Kolarik is a born and raised East Tennessean who serves this community through our Wellspring program. Dr. Kolarik studied medicine at the ETSU Quillen College of Medicine where she was a member of the rural primary care track. She then completed her residency in family medicine at the UT Graduate School of Medicine in Knoxville, where she was chief resident. Dr. Kolarik is passionate about full-spectrum primary care and takes care of people of all ages.
PrEP Frequently Asked Questions:
What is PrEP?
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is medicine people at risk for HIV take to prevent getting HIV from sex or injection drug use.
Is PrEP Safe?
- PrEP is safe but some people experience side effects like diarrhea, nausea, headache, fatigue, and stomach pain. These side effects usually go away over time. Tell your health care provider about any side effects that are severe or do not go away.
- Learn more about side effects from the Truvada®external icon and Descovy®external icon.
