County of Santa Clara Raises The Bar For Transgender Services

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF.— The County of Santa Clara is raising the bar on how local jurisdictions serve the transgender community. Santa Clara County will soon count with a new multidisciplinary transgender health clinic through Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (SCVMC), and a new Program Manager for Transgender Services in the County of Santa Clara Office of LGBTQ Affairs.

“One of the County’s greatest unmet health needs is the lack of transgender health services. I am excited to say that will soon no longer be the case,” said County of Santa Clara Supervisor Ken Yeager. “Thanks to the new state-of-the-art transgender health clinic opening in downtown San Jose, individuals will no longer need to make the long journey out of the county to receive specialized medical services.”

This is the first transgender primary care facility of its kind in Santa Clara County. Currently, candidates are being interviewed to fill primary care positions that are available in the new clinic.

“The clinic, which will open in the Fall of 2018 inside Valley Health Center Downtown on Santa Clara Street, will be a full-time care facility to address the health and wellness needs of transgender and gender expansive residents in Santa Clara County,” said County Executive Jeff Smith, M.D., J.D.

“This is a momentous decision,” said Maribel Martínez, Director of the County of Santa Clara Office of LGBTQ Affairs. “This is a great example of what is possible through a grounded community process, and the wonderful leadership by the administration and elected officials that we have in Santa Clara County. We are raising the bar on what is possible in local government.”

The transgender community will also be served through a newly created position of Program Manager for Transgender Services in the Office of LGBTQ Affairs. Today, the Office of LGBTQ Affairs announced that Anthony Ross has been hired to the position.

“Having a program manager focused on the unique needs of the transgender community fills a much-needed gap in expertise for our County,” Yeager said. “I have long admired Anthony’s dedication and contributions to the community. He will be a great asset to the Office of LGBTQ Affairs.”

Ross joins the County of Santa Clara following a 15-year tenure at Adolescent Counseling Services (ACS) in Mountain View, California, where he served as Outlet Program Director for LGBTQ youth.

“The Office of LGBTQ Affairs has hit the ground running since its opening just two years ago. Our team is ready to serve the community,” Martínez said. “With Anthony on board, we will be able to dedicate time and energy to advancing efforts that improve the well-being and quality of life of transgender members of our county.”

Ross’ position at the County is only the second of its type at a local government that focuses solely on the needs of the transgender community. Starting March 26, 2018, Ross will train healthcare and mental health service professionals; he will also work with local schools, hospitals and at the County's correctional facilities, where he will mediate and facilitate services for the transgender community throughout Santa Clara County.

“It is a privilege to work with the County of Santa Clara Office of LGBTQ Affairs, and especially in service to the transgender and non-binary community,” said Anthony Ross, the newly appointed Program Manager for Transgender Services. “I look forward to collaborating and building programs and services for our community to have a shot at living profoundly beautiful, healthy and whole lives.”

Ross has provided consultation and crisis intervention for professionals who serve youth; he has also provided guidance on policy planning and implementation, and curriculum development from preschool to university level courses. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Health Education from the State University of New York at Cortland.