Clinic doctor is recertified

American HIV academy awards credentials to local specialist; he plans to provide quick test.Laguna Beach Community Clinic’s Dr. Korey Joregensen has been re-credentialed as an HIV specialist by the American Academy of HIV Medicine.

Every two years, specialists certified by this organization must take a written examination to show extensive experience in treating HIV-infected people and to prove mastery of a specified body of information crucial to successful treatment.

The HIV treatment program at the clinic is funded primarily by the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act, federal legislation that addresses the unmet health needs of persons living with HIV by funding primary health care and support services.

The act was named after Ryan White, an Indiana teenager whose courageous struggle with HIV/AIDS and against AIDS-related discrimination helped educate the nation.

This program is one of only two in Orange County that is free to men and women with HIV infection.

Jorgensen, a 32-year member of the clinic’s staff and medical director emeritus, started the clinic’s HIV program 13 years ago.

Jorgensen sits on the HIV advisory committee of the City of Laguna Beach along with another clinic staffer, Kim de St. Paer, who provides anonymous HIV testing and counseling.

The city recently awarded the clinic a $2,500 grant to help underwrite the costs of anonymous testing.

This grant will provide funding for a quick test that makes HIV results available in 20 minutes.

“The ability to get quick results makes a huge difference in treatment,” Jorgensen said.

“Now that we can get answers quickly, we don’t lose people who never come back in a week for results. We are then able to get patients on a treatment program promptly, increasing the chance for a high-quality, full life.”

The clinic is at 362 Third St. Information: (949) 494-0761.