Open Door Clinic held a grand opening ceremony on June 18 at its new location in Elgin.
The 8,900-square-foot facility at 1665 Larkin Ave., which opened its doors to patients in March, replaces Open Door's previous location on the sixth floor of the professional building in Elgin. The clinic also has a satellite location in Aurora at 157 South Lincoln Ave., Ste. K.
The new facility includes eight exam rooms, six case manager offices and behavioral health therapy and group rooms.
The event featured a ribbon cutting ceremony led by Mayor David Kaptain of Elgin as well as remarks by Open Door Board President Ryan Howarter, Elgin Chamber of Commerce President Carol Gieske, Open Door Executive Director David Roesler and Open Door Board Member and Honorary Chair James Burns, Jr.
"Sometimes we know what we really need to do, but we're afraid to do it. Taking a chance and stepping beyond the safety of the world we've always known is the only way to grow because without risk there is no reward," said Burns. "This building is the reward for the risk we took to move out of our comfort zone and allow Open Door to grow and increase the services and support we provide. This building will allow us, after 38 years, to become more visible in our community and provide quality, comprehensive and cost-effective health services to our clients. Part of high quality health care includes providing a place where clients can gather without fear of stigma or discrimination, while being valued and respected for their differences. This building will allow Open Door to provide a place where our clients can feel welcome at any time."
Burns also spoke about his fellow facilities committee members commitment and hard work to ensure that the building was acquired. He also thanked the build-out subcommittee for their design and furnishing choices and selection of Bear Construction to do the renovation work on the building. Burns also recognized the relocation subcommittee for their work in ensuring a seamless move to the new facility.
Following the ceremony, guests were invited to nosh on refreshments provided by Grill Chasers and Mario's Cart food trucks, meet the staff and participate in an interactive tour of the facility.
Open Door Clinic has been providing sexual health and wellness services for the Fox Valley Area since 1977 and with this expansion the clinic now serves as a Patient Centered Medical Home. The clinic provides education, testing and treatment for those living with HIV/AIDS as well as primary medical, behavioral health and substance abuse care to everyone who comes through the clinic's doors.
"Open Door's strategic plan includes building our capacity to target at risk and disenfranchised LGBT youth and seniors regardless of their HIV status," said Roesler. "Our goal is to make sure that they are linked to culturally competent medical care, mental health, social services and supportive teams that meet their needs."
"Open Door is pleased to offer medical care to the LGBT community," said Dr. Constance Pachucki, medical director of Open Door Clinic. "This complements the care we provide for our HIV patients. Our hope is to provide care for partners of our patients."
The event also featured a raffle drawing with prizes from a variety of entities including the Elgin Public Museum, Centre of Elgin Recreation Facility, AMC Theatres, Brookfield Zoo and a basket from the Martini Room in Elgin.
CPIprint, Fox Valley Fire & Safety, Sharp Architects Inc. and Century 21 broker Rob Buhrow were among the sponsors of the grand opening ceremony.
See www.opendoorclinic.org for more information .
