St. Louis has maintained an uncommonly robust LGBTQ healthcare ecosystem for decades. Nationally, much of HIV care has been relegated to large, impersonal university hospitals or federally qualified health clinics. In St. Louis, however, LGBTQ practitioners stepped up long ago to create community-centered practices such as Southampton Healthcare, University Club Medical, and Central West Health Services, among others. Central West became Novus Health, a nonprofit organization, in 2022.
The main lobby of Novus. Courtesy of Novus Health
Last month, I was invited to Novus Health’s open house, and while I had visited the sleek, modern facility before, the full tour revealed far more than I expected. The stunning and expansive new space offered nearly everything imaginable, including an on-site pharmacy, dental clinic, food pantry, and even an inviting backyard designed to foster community. It was CEO Dale Wrigley’s vision brought to life. Later, I sat down with him to discuss his journey and the philosophy driving Novus Health forward.
Despite earning a degree in Sociology and a master’s in Legal Studies, Wrigley built his career in healthcare. He began working in HIV care and prevention at Bethany Place in Belleville before joining the City of St. Louis in 2005 to work in HIV services. Three years later, he was promoted to Bureau Chief of Communicable Diseases.
“I always say the job wasn’t that different from the one I had before. I just got more diseases,” he laughs. “If you work in nonprofits, you should really work in government first. I did the opposite. Working for the government, particularly in public health, allows you to learn about people, government, and the community you live in. A broad picture that educates you quickly and one that truly helped me grow.”
Wrigley describes public health — or community health — as fundamentally collaborative. “It’s not just about medicine,” he says. “It’s about working with people to make everyone healthier together.”
Novus in the community. Courtesy of Novus Health
From 2013 to 2016, Wrigley worked with St. Louis Effort for AIDS. At the time, he was interested in pursuing opportunities with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, and his job searches eventually led Indeed to suggest other Georgia-area positions, including a director-level role at a Ryan White clinic in Macon, Georgia, which he accepted in 2017.
“My boss was from Pennsylvania and was very progressive,” Wrigley says, noting that the clinic also provided gender-affirming care. The clinic became a community health center and built a new facility.
The combined pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic and a leadership change eventually prompted Wrigley to look elsewhere, and part of him was ready to return home. Once again, Indeed surfaced the opportunity that led him to his current position.
Wrigley took the operation from a functionally obsolete second-floor space with no elevator and a meager 17 parking spaces to a modern, one-level facility, which they moved into last year.
“I’m a big picture person, and I surround myself with people who keep me grounded,” Wrigley says. “I’ve liked every job I’ve had, but this has been a good move. It’s nice to be back home.”
The community is invited to tour the spectacular new facility during during the June 10 Out In STL Pride Issue Release Event. RSVP here.
