October is Integrative Health Month, which seemed like the perfect time to support a local non-profit that makes integrative care accessible to populations that may not be best served at clinics like Equilibrium. We recognize that Equilibrium is limited in our scope of practice, but we deeply believe in evidence-based health care that puts patients at the center of each interaction. This is why we’re happy to support organizations like Outside In. Since 1968, Outside In has helped break the cycles of chronic homelessness, poverty, and poor health among Portland’s LGBTQIA+ community, people of color, those experiencing homelessness, and the underserved. The Outside In health clinic and young adults programs strive to meet people where they are and provide safe, affirming spaces for our community to receive judgment-free care and support.

Outside In

Outside In takes a whole-person approach to treating patients, with mental health and physical health services, in addition to providing healthy meals, hygiene services like laundry and showers, case management and education and employment assistance. The words of Outside In patients speaks volumes for the essential work Outside In is performing in our community (see sidebar).

Outside In was founded in June 1968 as one of the first free community health clinics in the U.S. and one of the earliest on the West Coast, along with the Haight Ashbury Free Clinics and the Los Angeles Free Clinic. Some of the group’s early work involved staffing a 24-hour crisis hotline that was later spun off to form the Metro Crisis Intervention Service.

Outside In was founded to serve “alienated youth” of the time, and continues that mission today. Their services have expanded to offer medical services including preventative care, reproductive care, minor surgeries, psychiatry, labs, referrals, STI testing, dental screening, and these days they’re also doing COVID-19 education and vaccination. Outside In also provides trauma-informed, harm-reduction focused mental and physical health treatment for drug users.

In addition to the more common medical services available, Outside In offers assistance in applying for SNAP, as well as nutrition education and guidance on how to navigate grocery stores to eat healthily. Some of the most valuable services provided by Outside In are the social services that help youth find housing, employment and complete their education, and connect with available resources.

Celebrate Integrative Health Month with us!

During the month of October Equilibrium will collect monetary donations to Outside In, helping to support access to integrative whole-person care in Portland. To donate directly to Outside In, click here.