To better serve the health needs of Vancouver men, Health Initiative for Men announced today (January 30) that their Davie Street health clinic has moved into a much larger space and will be expanding its services.

The health centre opened in 2009 at 1033 Davie Street, with only 10 hours of HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing per week.

The previous clinic space was only 692 square feet with one nursing office, two counselling rooms, and a waiting area.

The new health centre is 1,598 square feet with two nursing offices, two counselling rooms, an office for the health promotion case manager, a space for a future nurse practitioner, a meeting room, and a versatile space that can hold group meetings or sessions.

The centre's hours will remain the same for the moment.

More health services, such as a general practitioner, syphilis/STI/nPEP followup, and a medical office assistant may be added in the future.

The suite number has changed from 421 to 416, which is merely one door down from the previous location.

Executive director Greg Oudman stated that the expanded HIM on Davie Health Centre will provide "increased opportunities...for gay men and other men who have sex with men to use combination prevention strategies to strengthen their health and well-being."

He further went on to explain that these strategies will include "increased access for testing and vaccinations, introduction of primary medical care, professional counselling and coaching programs, educational workshops, as well as to other tools, such as syphilis/STI follow-up and PrEP referral and follow-up, designed to improve the physical, sexual, social and mental health of gay men."

He also stated that the additional space will allow them to accommodate extra medical personnel during opening hours. A primary care physician and medical office assistant with nurse practitioner will be available in the near future.

Although HIM is operating out of the new space, they're still in the process of putting the final touches on the place, which should be completed by mid-February.

Over the years, HIM has also expanded geographically, with clinics in East Vancouver (101–1416 Commercial Drive), New Westminster (40 Begbie Street), Surrey (220–10362 King George Boulevard), and Abbotsford (104–34194 Marshall Road).

While these various locations make it easier for people to access the resources, it also helps HIM to reach diverse populations of men who have sex with men who may or may not identify as LGBT.

For more information about HIM, visit their website.