Novus Medical Services, a leading LGBTQ+-owned and affirming sexual health organization, celebrated the grand opening of its newest clinic in Reading, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday afternoon. The event marked the official opening of Novus’ sixth clinic in Eastern Pennsylvania, further expanding its reach to provide essential sexual health services to the community.
The ceremony, attended by roughly 50 people, featured remarks from key stakeholders, a tour of the new clinic, and community festivities including a free ice cream truck and refreshments. Among the attendees were Reading City Council President Donna Reed, Novus staff, and various community partners.
In his opening remarks, Allen Smith, the Owner and CEO of Novus Medical Services, reflected on the organization’s growth and the significance of the new Reading location. “Eleven years and our sixth office. I’d love to take the credit for this, but I cannot—it’s everyone who works at the office, the patients who come to us, and the dedication of the office administration. So, I want to thank them for everything,” Smith said, emphasizing the collective effort behind the clinic’s success.
Lisa Spacek, Chief Medical Officer at Novus, echoed Smith’s enthusiasm. “We’re so excited to be in Reading. We’re so excited to take care of the people who come to us for care. We really are delighted to have the position that we do in the community and we’re so excited to be able to provide the services that are important to patients and the people who live in Reading,” she remarked.
Enrique Castro, Executive Director & CEO of Reading Pride Celebration, also spoke at the event, highlighting the importance of having accessible, affirming healthcare options in the area. “We are very thankful that they are here in Reading. We’re going to continue to support them and continue to spread the word. We’ve had some amazing partners over the years who work in similar healthcare, but they can only do so much. So it is nice to have another friendly location where we know we are welcome and that we can get healthcare, which is so important,” Castro stated.
Smith also shared insights into the planning and vision behind the new Reading location. “This office has taken the longest [to establish]. We wanted the perfect spot—something with parking, a space large enough that we wouldn’t outgrow, a place that was accessible,” Smith explained, detailing the meticulous process of finding the ideal location for the clinic.
Smith emphasized the patient-centered approach that defines Novus Medical Services. “When they come in here, they’re gonna be treated well, like they’ve never been treated anywhere before. Everybody gets personal treatment. Everything is focused towards the patient,” he said, adding that careful staff selection has contributed to a positive environment with low turnover, ensuring both patient and staff satisfaction.
The decision to open a clinic in Reading was influenced by the needs of the community. “We had people from this area visiting our other location across the region who told us we needed to be in Reading,” Smith noted, underscoring Novus’ commitment to meeting the healthcare needs of underserved populations.
With the opening of its Reading clinic, Novus Medical Services continues to expand its mission of providing confidential and inclusive sexual health services. The organization offers free testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV, along with affordable HIV prevention and quality treatment for HIV and Hepatitis C. Novus’ focus on creating a welcoming and supportive environment ensures that all individuals, regardless of gender, sexual identity, or financial status, receive the care they need.
The successful ribbon-cutting ceremony and the enthusiastic community response highlight the important role Novus Medical Services plays in the region. As the organization looks to the future, the new Reading clinic is poised to become a vital resource for the local community, offering accessible, compassionate, and high-quality healthcare.
