Client: St. John’s Prime Specialty Clinic, HIV, AIDS, Hep C, PrEP
Industry: Healthcare (HIV Prevention and LGBTQ+ Health)
Partnership Duration: Ongoing
Products Used: Safe sex kits, stress balls, tote bags, pens, water bottles, drawstring backpacks, and unique event items.
Talk with: Xavier Laporte-Sanchez, Director of HIV/STI Programs

In communities with deep mistrust of the healthcare system, taking an HIV test isn’t just a medical procedure—it’s an act of courage. At Palm Springs Pride, a playful stress ball shaped like a peach became more than a giveaway; it sparked conversations that helped St. John’s PRIME Specialty Clinic build trust, guide people toward care, and improve health outcomes.

Background

St. John’s Prime Specialty Clinic provides culturally competent, accessible healthcare to historically underserved communities in South Los Angeles. Their focus on HIV prevention, LGBTQ+ health, and gender-affirming care has made them a trusted provider for marginalized groups, including Latinx and African American populations.

The clinic’s mission goes beyond delivering medical services. They aim to rebuild trust in healthcare systems, educate communities, and meet individuals where they are—physically, emotionally, and socially.

“We’re dealing with communities that have deep mistrust of the healthcare system,” shared Xavier Laporte “It’s not just about providing care. It’s about breaking down barriers and creating a safe space for people to take that first step.”

The Challenge

Encouraging individuals to engage in conversations about HIV prevention and sexual health is a sensitive and challenging task. For many, the psychological hurdle of taking an HIV test is significant, shaped by fear, stigma, and a lack of trust in the system.

“Taking an HIV test is a deeply personal moment. There’s a lot of fear—fear of the unknown, fear of the stigma if the result is positive,” explained Xavier. “The first step is starting a conversation, and that’s where engagement becomes crucial.”

Without effective tools to engage the community, the clinic found it difficult to draw people in, especially at events where multiple organizations were competing for attention.

The HealthMerch Solution

Recognizing these challenges, HealthMerch partnered with St. John’s to create promotional materials designed to do more than just attract attention—they were tools for building trust and sparking meaningful conversations.

“HealthMerch gets it. They understand the nuances of our work and why engagement isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the foundation of everything we do,” said Xavier.

Key products and strategies included:

• Safe sex kits: Customized condoms and lube, packaged discreetly for convenience, designed to spark conversations around safe sex and HIV prevention. Practical and mission-aligned solution that subtly encouraged conversations about HIV prevention.
• Playful, inclusive items: Stress balls shaped like peaches and eggplants were crowd favorites, breaking the ice in a way that felt fun and nonjudgmental.
• Welcome kits for LGBTQ+ youth: These thoughtfully curated backpacks created a sense of belonging, helping youth feel valued and included.

HealthMerch’s approach wasn’t just about the products—it was about understanding the psychology of engagement. The materials were tailored to make people feel safe and open, a critical step toward initiating life-changing conversations.

Implementation and Strategy

At community events like Pride festivals and school health fairs, the promotional items became powerful tools for outreach. Staff used them to spark casual, nonthreatening conversations about sensitive topics like HIV prevention, PrEP, and gender-affirming care.

“The stress balls and condoms weren’t just giveaways—they were conversation starters,” said Xavier. “They helped us meet people where they were and made it easier to talk about tough subjects.”

Results & Impact

1. Increased Event Engagement
   • Attendance at events surged, with crowds consistently drawn to St. John’s booth.
   • Themed stress balls, customized condoms, and tote bags turned a crowded event into an opportunity for meaningful connection.
2. Empowered Conversations
   • The promotional materials played a pivotal role in reducing fear and stigma, creating an environment where individuals felt safe discussing HIV prevention and testing.
   • For many, the engagement at the booth was the first step toward accessing care.
3. Advancing Goals Through Engagement
   • By breaking the ice with culturally relevant and creative items, St. John’s was able to guide individuals toward critical services, from HIV testing to PrEP enrollment.

Key Success Stories

One of the most powerful outcomes occurred at a youth drop-in center in San Bernardino. The welcome kits distributed by St. John’s, featuring HealthMerch products, helped create a sense of excitement and belonging among LGBTQ+ youth. This engagement led to higher participation in the clinic’s programs and a stronger connection with the community.

Another standout moment was at Palm Springs Pride. Attendees were drawn to the booth by the creative and fun items, which led to a significant increase in inquiries about HIV testing and prevention.

“It’s amazing how a simple stress ball or condom can turn into a life-changing conversation,” Xavier reflected. “These products make people feel seen, and that’s the foundation of trust.”

Conclusion

Engagement isn’t just about drawing a crowd—it’s about creating trust and opening the door to care. HealthMerch’s creative promotional products have helped St. John’s Prime Specialty Clinic bridge the gap between stigma and conversation, between fear and action.

“Without engagement, there’s no conversation. Without conversation, there’s no care. HealthMerch has helped us take that first step with so many people,” said Xavier.

Key Takeaways

• Engagement drives impact: Thoughtful promotional items transformed community events into gateways for care.
• Breaking down barriers: Creative products reduced stigma and fostered trust in underserved communities.
• Expanded reach and trust: St. John’s strengthened its presence and initiated life-changing conversations across multiple regions.