HELP Center for LGBTQ+ Health

The front desk staff and the nurse practitioner Josephine have always been professional. However, one of the male hispanic phlebotomists has developed a pattern of using improper and unsafe technique during blood draws. He touches the puncture site after applying alcohol, attempts to dry it by fanning with his hand, and rushes through the procedure. He often enters the room focused on finishing quickly, he speaks rapidly throughout the process and has taken my blood pressure incorrectly on multiple occasions. These actions are unprofessional and violate BASIC safety standards. This absolutely needs to be addressed.

I know the service was free, and I really appreciate that — but I just wanted to share some honest feedback. This was my first time visiting, and honestly, I felt a bit lost during the whole process. No one really explained what was going to happen, or what the papers I was given were for. The staff wasn’t rude, but they didn’t seem very engaged either. It felt like they were just going through the motions. When it came time to draw blood, I had trouble understanding the person helping me, and even though I asked a few times for clarification, they didn’t really try to explain things more clearly, at one point I threw something in the trash by mistake, and the look they gave me just made me feel worse. I believe a more vocational or human approach would make a big difference. Maybe I had a different expectation because I had a really good experience at another location in Denver. This one just felt cold and rushed in comparison. Again, I’m thankful for the free service — just think a little more kindness and clear communication would go a long way.

This place is an absolute godsend! I needed testing the same day and quite urgently. I also needed prep because my primary doctor was unfamiliar and did not prescribe me. They are absolutely happy to help. The team here are so helpful, knowledgeable, kind, respectful, friendly and an absolute pleasure to work with! Josephine the primary doctor was very very kind and knowledgeable as well as Antonio the nursing assistant. This place is an absolute blessing and I am excited to volunteer for them as well! Thank you Help Center!

Josephine (NP), the Prevention Specialist and Phlebotomist are all greatly friendly, devoted and so professional and good at their jobs! Love it! Great experience and warm welcome back after I stopped the program for awhile!

Very nice and welcoming staff!! I'm soo glad they finally got one open here in arlington!