At Lyon-Martin, we are fortunate to have a long, rich history of dedicated, hardworking advocates and health providers who have for over thirty years shaped this award-winning community health center that so many individuals rely on to this day. We started as a primary care clinic for lesbians and have expanded over the years to also serve low-income heterosexual women, bisexual women, and transgender individuals. We are blessed with the enduring legacy of our namesakes’ Phyllis and Del’s love and devotion to each other and our communities. We are champions, activists, pioneers, rule-breakers, fighters, builders, marchers, and dreamers. And at this time we are delighted to share with you that one of my personal heroes, Dr. Dawn Harbatkin, has been named as a 2013 LGBT Local Hero.
There is no other way to put this. I thank my lucky stars for Dawn. And I know so many of you feel the same way. She works tirelessly to bring all of Lyon-Martin’s patients the highest quality of care while also continually seeking ways to improve services and innovate. She is a passionate visionary who has established a model of patient-centered primary care for Lyon-Martin’s transgender patients that she is helping to replicate in other community clinics. Her efforts last year led to the first nationwide online medical consultation service that provides up-to-date clinical information and individualized case consultation on transgender issues. Patients return -- and some even travel great distances -- because they know when they walk through our doors, they are in a safe place and will be treated with respect and dignity.
And she is brave.
In Lyon-Martin’s darkest days, Dawn stepped forward because she could not allow the clinic’s doors to close on the thousands of patients who need our services and support. This is the mark of a true leader and she has certainly sacrificed many long days and sleepless nights. In a time of crisis and all of the days since, Dawn has done the right thing for our patients no matter how difficult.
Dawn’s steadfast compassion for Lyon-Martin patients and mission has earned her accolades and the respect of her peers. Her leadership is a key reason why our doors are open today. Dawn is a bright, shinning light and we are thrilled that she is being recognized as an LGBTQ community hero.
You can watch a video to learn more about her nomination here. And we’ll all be able to watch Dawn accept her award when the full program airs on KQED Television, premiering Sunday, June 23 at 7pm.
Our heartfelt thanks to KQED and Union Bank for honoring the LGBTQ community and celebrating Dawn’s contributions. And to all of you for your unwavering support.
Best,
Dr. Marj Plumb
Chair, Board of Directors of Lyon-Martin Health Services