Howard Brown Health provides primary and specialty healthcare, social services, and infectious disease screenings in locations throughout the City of Chicago. The organization serves more than 35,000 patients and clients as part of its mission to eliminate healthcare disparities experienced by LGBTQ people. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Howard Brown sought DMA’s assistance to review and recommend space planning and operational improvements that would maximize staff and patron safety.

DMA and Howard Brown worked collaboratively to assess all properties in a short timeframe. The DMA team delivered an interactive Excel chart of potential site improvements and mapped pathways for staff and clients to manage flow and reduce close contact. Work included advising and guiding the process of adding temporary trailers/containers to seven sites, to expand winter COVID-19 testing capacity. DMA also assisted with air filtration improvements, contracting with a mechanical company to install needlepoint bipolar ionization air filtration systems. The project has helped Howard Brown meet community health needs during a time of exceptional challenge.