Lyon-Martin, A Model For Women’s Health Care For Three Decades

Lyon-Martin Women's Health Services, a beneficiary of the Folsom Street events, is a unique, successful, not-for-profit community model for women's health care that has been duplicated across the country.

Founded in 1979 and named in recognition of LGBTQ civil rights activists-Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin, a group of medical providers and health activists created this clinic to respond to the gap in sensitive health services available to lesbians. Lyon and Martin were the first same-sex couple to obtain a marriage license and marry in the United States and have been a couple for over 54 years.

Over the years, they have extended services to other groups of women who also lack access to culturally sensitive, affordable healthcare. Lyon-Martin provides critical primary care for over 3,000 women and transgender people each year. Many of those women come to LMWHS in crisis and in need of other forms of care, which will also support their physical healing.

In response to these needs, they provide health education, counseling, and referral services to aid in maintaining the overall health and well being of all women and transgender people. They provide a safe and empowering environment where women and transfolks can receive high-quality, individualized care.

“The employees make the atmosphere “full” of vitality and compassion. Some HIV+ people are isolated, but not at Lyon-Martin. When I come to Lyon-Martin I feel safe, not alone, hopeful.” Said Rose, a Lyon-Martin client. lyon-martin.org