Dr. Demetre Daskalakis: Championing LGBTQ+ Health Equity at Callen-Lorde Community Health Center
Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, the former director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, is set to become the chief medical officer of Callen-Lorde Community Health Center in New York City starting in February. Daskalakis resigned from the CDC in August following the ousting of CDC director Susan Monarez by the Trump administration. His new role at Callen-Lorde will allow him to focus on providing strong medical care for the LGBTQ+ community in New York City, where he initially trained as a young physician.
Daskalakis expressed his commitment to ensuring that the LGBTQ+ community has a robust medical home at Callen-Lorde, which he described as the ideal place for this mission. His appointment coincides with a broader shift in city leadership, as both he and Callen-Lorde CEO Patrick McGovern were named to Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s Transition Committee on Health, highlighting the city's dedication to LGBTQ+ equity in public health infrastructure.
Callen-Lorde, as stated in its 2024 annual report, serves a diverse population with over 22,000 patients and more than 156,000 visits. A significant portion of their patients identify as transgender or nonbinary. The clinic aims to provide stability and support to patients in a challenging national climate, with a focus on ending the HIV epidemic through innovative tools like twice-yearly injectable PrEP.
McGovern praised Daskalakis for his commitment to following the science and delivering positive outcomes for the LGBTQ+ community throughout his career. Daskalakis emphasized the importance of unity within the LGBTQ+ community to defend rights and address health needs, particularly in the face of challenges and attacks. He highlighted the power of embracing one's identity and standing up against those who seek to silence LGBTQ+ voices.
In conclusion, Dr. Demetre Daskalakis's new role as chief medical officer at Callen-Lorde Community Health Center represents a significant step towards providing comprehensive and inclusive healthcare for the LGBTQ+ community in New York City. His dedication to following the science and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights underscores the importance of unity and resilience in overcoming challenges and advancing health equity.