A Los Angeles LGBTQ+ health clinic is working to remain open following the unexpected death of its 36-year-old co-founder, Dr. Jack O’Brien. The clinic, which has focused on providing care to the LGBTQ+ community since opening earlier this year, is now searching for a new physician to meet legal ownership requirements while continuing patient services.
Loss
Haven Health announced that co-founder Dr. Jack O’Brien died suddenly in early July at the age of 36.
The clinic, founded in January 2026 under the mission statement “queer founded, mission obsessed,” has primarily served LGBTQ+ patients in Los Angeles.
His family described him as a compassionate physician who was committed to providing quality healthcare for everyone.
“He thought everyone deserved the best and he wanted to make sure they got it,” said his mother, Judy O’Brien. “It’s such a horrible tragedy because I always say he was on the cusp of greatness.”
Challenge
Following Dr. O’Brien’s death, Haven Health is working to secure a new physician to continue operating the clinic.
According to co-founder Mike Piscadlo, California law requires medical clinics to be owned by a licensed physician. Because Haven Health employed only one physician, the clinic has been forced to pause operations while it searches for a qualified doctor to assume ownership.
“We are a small practice, so we only have one physician,” Piscadlo said. “We do have an amazing physician assistant, Jake Collins, but he is not a physician, so he cannot be the owner of those shares.”
Support
The clinic has launched an online fundraising campaign to help cover expenses while it looks for a replacement physician.
Piscadlo said LGBTQ+ patients often feel more comfortable receiving care from providers who understand their experiences.
“When you talk to other queer people, when they are able to be with a queer provider, it creates psychological safety,” Piscadlo said. “It allows them to be clear about what they are going through without fear of judgment or refusal of care.”
Community
Family members and colleagues said Dr. O’Brien dedicated much of his career to serving the LGBTQ+ community.
His father, John O’Brien, said the clinic now depends on community support as it works through this transition.
“The ironic thing now is Haven Health needs the community’s help,” he said.
Memorial
Friends and family have scheduled a memorial service for Dr. O’Brien early next week.
His cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
As Haven Health searches for a new physician, clinic leaders say they remain focused on preserving the mission established by Dr. O’Brien and continuing to provide healthcare services for the LGBTQ+ community in Los Angeles.
FAQs
Who was Dr. Jack O’Brien?
He was Haven Health’s co-founder and physician.
Why did the clinic pause operations?
It needs a physician owner to operate legally.
When was Haven Health founded?
The clinic opened in January 2026.
Has the cause of death been released?
No. It has not been disclosed.
How is the clinic seeking support?
It launched an online fundraising campaign.
