Health
D.C. Dept. of Health reaches out to ‘all communities’
New gay interim director has worked on AIDS, substance abuse issues
‘My vision is that every one of us at some time is out in the community doing service work that really shows we are out there for the community,’ said Dr. Saul Levin. (Blade photo by Michael Key)
Dr. Saul Levin, the newly appointed interim director of the D.C. Department of Health, says his mission during his expected one-year tenure as head of the department is to educate the city’s diverse communities, including the LGBT community, about the wide range of services DOH offers to keep people healthy.
“One of the things I would like to put on the table is each and every one of us working here essentially comes from the community,” he told the Blade in an interview in his office. “My vision is that every one of us at some time is out in the community doing service work that really shows we are out there for the community.”
D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray on July 17 announced he had appointed Levin, a psychiatrist and senior deputy director of the DOH, as interim director, making him the first known out gay person to serve as head of a city department of that size.
A DOH spokesperson said the department has about 800 employees and a budget of about $268 million.
Gray said Levin would fill in for DOH Director Dr. Mohammad Akhter, who the mayor said is taking an unpaid leave of absence to become head of the executive board of the city’s newly created Health Benefit Exchange Authority, which is part of the Obama administration’s health insurance reform program.
In his role as senior deputy director of the DOH, Levin was in charge of the department’s Addiction Prevention and Recovery Administration, which operates the city’s programs to combat drug and alcohol abuse. He is expected to return to that post if Akhter resumes his role as DOH director.
A native of South Africa, Levin received his medical degree at a leading medical school in Johannesburg before completing his residency in psychiatry at the University of California’s Davis Medical Center.
Levin then joined the staff of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and later became coordinator of a special program within the department’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The program integrated primary care, substance abuse, mental health and HIV/AIDS as part of an effort to improve treatment and care for people with both medical and substance abuse problems.
From there Levin returned to school, receiving a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government in 1994. Upon completion of his studies he started a health care consulting company for which he served as president for the next 10 years.
He said around 2004 he accepted an offer to become president and CEO of Medical Education for South African Blacks, a U.S.-based anti-apartheid educational trust that had provided scholarships to South African blacks prior to the end of country’s apartheid government in 1994.
Levin said leaders of the organization continued its work in the years following the apartheid system to ensure that black candidates would have the opportunity to enter jobs in the medical profession before improved educational institutions had been established in the country.
“It educated one-third of all black doctors up until six years ago,” he said. “It gave out 11,000 grants. It was truly about how someone can make a difference.”
Prior to coming to the D.C. DOH, earlier this year Levin served as vice president of the American Medical Association for Science, Medicine, and Public Health.
Levin said his involvement in AIDS-related work and the gay community began in the early 1980s during his medical school years in South Africa, when he helped to open the country’s first hospice for people dying of what was then known as “wasting disease.”
“You would just have these people who would waste away,” he said. “Their immune system would just go to pieces. So I got very involved in that way.”
Noting that he came out as gay in South Africa, Levin added, “In some ways today when you look at South Africa they have a huge problem both in the African community as well as in the white gay community” concerning AIDS. “Had they begun to see the early warning signs they could have really maybe have begun to do something a little differently to address the problem.”
Levin said the DOH’s HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Disease and Tuberculosis Administration (HAHSTA) is redoubling its HIV prevention efforts directed toward black men in D.C., both gay and straight, who have the highest infection rate among all the groups at risk for HIV.
He noted that HAHSTA is headed by Dr. Greg Pappas, a gay physician with extensive experience in AIDS-related medicine and public health.
“I would say this,” Levin said in discussing the city’s programs to combat AIDS for all at-risk groups, including the gay men. “We would go anywhere and everywhere to try to get education and services to those who need it. Treatment is prevention. Prevention is treatment.”
His background in substance abuse issues and mental health has made him especially aware of substance abuse issues affecting the LGBT community, Levin said.
“I used to have a research project when I had my company, and NIH wanted me to try to get to the guys in the gym, the gay gyms,” he said. “They were exercise fanatics and the next thing I would see was photos of them out at all these parties where crystal meth and ecstasy – you name it – was used.
“And I would try to say why is it that you have so divorced yourself from your healthy bodies? You spend a lot of your life in the gym and yet you are still doing this to yourself,” he said. “Addiction is just like diabetes, hypertension or HIV. It’s a chronic relapsing treatable disease.”
Levin added that DOH offers a “full choice” treatment program for people with substance abuse problems that he highly recommends.
“Any LGBT person can come to our assistance center at 51 N St.,” he said. “It’s at the corner of First Street and N streets in Northeast. You go in there – anyone can walk in. You will be evaluated. And we will then say this is the level of care you will need,” Levin said.
“If you don’t have insurance, we will pay for it. And you will choose the program you go to.”
When told of how the recent suicide of a popular D.C. gay bartender shocked friends and co-workers, who perceived the bartender as happy and upbeat, Levin said suicide is a “difficult” issue to address.
“Someone who is clearly getting to the point of that kind of depression needs help,” he said. “Your friends can help you. Your friends and your support system and your co-workers – when you see someone becoming more depressed, not being as energetic, withdrawing from the usual things they love to do – you’ve got to address the issue,” he said.
“You know your family,” he said. “You know your partners…People do give signs when they’re thinking of suicide. You should address it.”
Cannabis Culture
LGBTQ people, weed, and mental health: what you need to know
Community uses marijuana at much higher rates than general population
Uncloseted Media published this story on May 7.
By SPENCER MACNAUGHTON | In 2025, the global cannabis market size was valued at nearly $103 billion. By 2034, that number is expected to explode by roughly 1,400 percent to more than $1.43 trillion.
In short, as an increasing number of countries legalize marijuana use, everyone is starting to consume a lot more weed. And LGBTQ people tend to use cannabis at much higher rates than the general population. One study found that 55 percent of lesbian and 45 percent of gay young adults use marijuana, compared to about 33 percent and 37 percent, respectively, of their straight counterparts.
As LGBTQ people face a mental health crisis, the mainstream stereotypes that depict weed as an antidote for anxiety, panic and depression aren’t painting the full picture. And that could be exacerbating the mental health struggles so many queer people, and especially youth, face.
Here’s what the research demonstrates about marijuana and its effects on mental health:
- Multiple studies suggest a link between marijuana use and an increased risk of mental health disorders, including schizophrenia, depression and anxiety in individuals who are genetically predisposed.
- One study found that daily marijuana use, especially among younger people, makes some individuals seven times more likely to develop psychosis.
The increase in higher-potency strains of marijuana could pose unknown risks. In 1995, the average content of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in confiscated marijuana was less than 4 percent. In 2022, it was more than 16 percent. Researchers don’t know the full extent of the impact that these higher concentrations can have on mental health and especially on younger people whose brains are still developing.
- A systematic review of studies published between 2013 and 2025 found damning results for the mental health of young cannabis users:
They were 51 percent more likely to experience depression, 58 percent more likely to experience anxiety, between 50 and 65 percent more likely to experience suicidal ideation and 80 to 87 percent more likely to have attempted suicide.
- While the above stats paint a grim picture, there is also some research that suggests benefits of cannabis use:
- A 2025 systematic review found that “medicinal” weed showed some efficacy in relieving withdrawal symptoms of opioid use disorder. THC use has been associated with improvement of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, bipolar symptoms and sleep quality.
- Other studies found that THC administered in a controlled setting was associated with a decrease of symptoms and adverse effects for a range of mental health disorders, including schizophrenia, psychotic symptoms, and anorexia nervosa.
Beyond what we pulled from academia, there is an astounding lack of information about the interplay between weed and mental health. As we dive deeper into Mental Health Awareness Month, I hope advocacy organizations, influencers and news outlets ramp up their coverage of this important topic that affects the countless LGBTQ weed smokers, many of whom are already struggling.
Health
UPDATED: Trans-led HIV clinic in Portsmouth struggles amid funding cuts
As states across the U.S. cut funding for HIV care this small clinic in Va, is still fighting
Two years ago, Nyonna Byers, a transgender woman from Portsmouth, Va., founded Ending Transmission of Sexual Infections (ETSI) Health Clinic to support a community she saw struggling with rising HIV rates. Now, as costs continue to climb and funding for HIV healthcare initiatives is being cut across the United States, Byers says her transgender identity has made it harder to secure the financial support her clinic needs to survive.
Portsmouth, with just under 100,000 people, is right across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk.
“We’re an HIV-led organization here in Portsmouth, providing services throughout the Hampton Roads area,” Byers told the Blade. “As a trans-led organization—with me as the founder and executive director—I’ve received a lot of rejection when it comes to funding. That’s one of the main reasons why we’re struggling to keep the clinic open. Without funding, we can’t provide HIV treatment or care, and then we’re just a theoretical organization—we can’t be impactful in the community we serve.”
She said the data clearly shows a need for increased investment in HIV care in Portsmouth, but the response from leadership has not matched the urgency of the crisis.
“Portsmouth is one of the smallest cities with one of the highest HIV rates, and there are very few HIV-led organizations or clinics here. The need is urgent, but the response doesn’t match it. We’re doing the work on the ground, but we’re not getting the support to sustain it. That disconnect is what’s hurting people the most.”
That need, Byers explained, continues to grow as ETSI struggles to meet the financial demands of the life-saving work it provides.
Portsmouth has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in Virginia, with roughly 736.9 cases per 100,000 people—a rate that exceeds both state and national averages.
“Leaders like the mayor and city council don’t focus on public health or social health. They focus more on development—building the city up physically—rather than investing in the health of the people. I’ve applied for funding multiple times and been denied. Every time I’ve asked for resources, I’ve been turned away.”
When asked why, Byers said the answer felt clear to her.
“I honestly believe I was denied funding because I’m trans. I told the mayor I was going to go public with it, because it’s not fair. We’re on the ground doing the work to end HIV, and we’re still not getting the support we need. That’s not just frustrating—it’s harmful.”
While she said local support has been lacking, Byers noted that the state has stepped in—though the funding still falls short of what is needed to sustain the clinic long term.
ETSI Health Clinic was included as a recipient of funding in the Virginia 2027–2028 Senate budget, receiving $50,000 per year from the Virginia General Fund. Byers specifically credited State Sen. Lillie Louise Lucas with helping secure that funding, which she said did not come from city leadership.
Byers shared that she has given up a lot to keep ETSI afloat, but the costs just keep coming.
“I’ve worked a lot of contracts—jobs paying $30 to $40 an hour—and poured that money into my clinic. But the downside is that I’m struggling personally. I’ve lost cars, I’ve lost a house—I’ve lost a lot to keep this clinic going. This work has cost me almost everything.”
She added that the impact of federal policy shifts is also being felt locally. As the Trump-Vance administration continues to roll back what it has described as unnecessary “DEI” spending, Byers said those decisions are affecting clinics like hers.
There was a time when the clinic was able to receive funding from Sentara Cares, the philanthropic program of Sentara Health, a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Virginia and North Carolina, but now they can’t.
“We had funding from Sentara Cares for three years, and it helped keep us going. Then when DEI initiatives started getting rolled back, that funding stopped. I was told directly that because of federal policy changes, they couldn’t fund the clinic. I broke down during that meeting, because it felt like they were really saying they couldn’t support us because of who we are.”
That lack of funding is compounded by broader gaps in healthcare access in the region. Portsmouth—the ninth most populous city in Virginia—does not have a hospital.
“There’s very limited access to care in Portsmouth. We don’t even have a hospital—people have to be transported to Norfolk. We’ve had high rates of syphilis, and the health department is only open a few days a week. A lot of people don’t trust it, and that leaves entire communities without care.”
Byers made it clear that this is more than a passion project for her—it is her life’s calling, and she would do nearly anything to keep it going.
“To be honest, I would go back to sex work before I let my clinic close. This is something I built from the ground up. I built this clinic with money I earned myself. I’m not going to let it disappear without a fight.”
She also pointed to gaps in education and outreach, which she says exacerbate HIV rates despite the availability of preventive measures.
“There’s almost no marketing or education about PrEP in the Hampton Roads area. If you go to places like D.C. or Atlanta, you see billboards and campaigns—but here, you don’t see anything. If people don’t see it, they don’t know about it. That lack of awareness is putting people at risk.”
It is also a deeply personal fight, she explained.
“I’ve lost friends to HIV. People say you can’t die from HIV anymore, but you can if you’re not in care. I’ve seen it firsthand, and that’s what motivates me to keep going. HIV doesn’t have to be a death sentence—but without support, it can become one.”
The Blade reached out to Portsmouth Mayor Shannon E. Glover for comment.
Glover disputed Byers’ claims that her clinic was treated unfairly, including her allegation that her transgender identity played a role in funding decisions.
“There’s no issue with Miss—with her and her organization. We have been in discussion, and quite frankly, the claims that she made as it relates to ‘we’re not treating her equitably and fairly because of her [being] transgender’ that is totally untrue,” Glover told the Blade via phone call. “I’ve talked to Miss Nyonna on a number of occasions, and that is categorically not true.”
Glover added that the city provides funding to various organizations and said he had directed Byers to seek support elsewhere.
“So I’m not understanding what her issues are,” he said. “But in any event, you know, we have funding that we provide to organizations. I’ve recommended other organizations to her. I’ve recommended that she go to the state where they have more flexibility with their budget and they could help her. So that’s what I’m prepared to tell you today. I’m not going to answer any questions. I just wanted to respond that her claim that we are mistreating her, not treating her fair, is totally untrue.”
To donate to ETSI, visit their donation page at ESTIhcvas.org/donate
Health
Housewives head to Capitol Hill to promote PrEP coverage
Bravo’s Real Housewives stars to lobby lawmakers for expanded PrEP access.
Stars from Bravo’s hit franchise “The Real Housewives” are heading to Capitol Hill next week to advocate for expanded access to HIV prevention and treatment.
On March 18, several well-known cast members — including NeNe Leakes, Phaedra Parks, Candiace Dillard Bassett, Erika Jayne, Luann de Lesseps, Melissa Gorga, and Marysol Patton — will travel to D.C. to participate in an advocacy event aimed at increasing awareness and coverage for pre-exposure prophylaxis, commonly known as PrEP.
The event, dubbed “Housewives on the Hill,” is being organized by MISTR, the nation’s largest telehealth platform focused on sexual health. The group’s founder and CEO, Tristan Schukraft, will join the reality television stars as they meet with lawmakers and legislative staff to discuss the importance of maintaining and expanding access to HIV prevention tools.
PrEP is a medication regimen that can, if taken properly, reduce the risk of contracting HIV through sex by up to 99 percent according to public health officials. Advocates say wider access to the medication — including through insurance coverage and telehealth services — is critical to reducing new HIV infections across the United States.
During their day on Capitol Hill, the Housewives are expected to meet with members of Congress and participate in conversations about federal policies affecting HIV prevention and treatment. Organizers say the reality stars will also share personal reflections about the continued impact of HIV on communities across the country and the importance of keeping prevention resources accessible.
The “Housewives on the Hill” event aims to use the cultural influence of the Bravo stars to spotlight HIV prevention efforts and encourage lawmakers to protect and expand access to lifesaving medication and treatment options. Organizers say the goal is simple: ensure that more Americans can access the tools they need to prevent HIV and maintain their sexual health.
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