Alameda Health Consortium’s Post

How many times does this need to be said for people to get it? Access to #GenderAffirming care is not just a matter of choice; it's a crucial, life-saving necessity. The recent report by Capital News Service, highlighting the struggles of #transgender Marylanders like Paisley Parsons, underscores the vital importance of this care. It's a narrative echoed across the U.S., where geographic and availability #barriers often stand between trans people and the #medical support they need. Gender-affirming care encompasses a range of medical treatments, including #HormoneTherapy, surgeries, and other procedures. However, it's more than just medical procedures. It's about recognition, respect, and the right to live in one's #authentic identity. This care is not elective or cosmetic; it's essential for the #mental and physical #WellBeing of trans people. The challenges in accessing gender-affirming care are significant. For many, like Parsons, the journey involves long travels to urban centers where care is available. The recent efforts by institutions like Johns Hopkins' Center for Transgender and Gender Expansive Health in Baltimore to train #clinicians outside urban areas are commendable steps towards addressing this issue. The passage of the Trans Health Equity Act in Maryland, ensuring coverage for gender-affirming care under Medicaid, is a landmark step. It acknowledges the necessity of this care and the right of trans people to access it. However, the journey doesn't end with #legislation. The implementation of such #laws, the #education of #healthcare providers, and the dismantling of systemic barriers remain ongoing challenges. The experiences of trans people with pharmacies highlight another layer of complexity. Issues like #insurance classifications and drug shortages can turn a routine trip to the pharmacy into a stressful ordeal. The need for systemic changes in how healthcare and insurance systems view and handle trans care is painfully evident. In addition, the mental toll of having to educate healthcare providers about trans issues cannot be overstated. Studies have shown that this is associated with increased rates of #depression, #anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. The need for healthcare professionals to be educated and sensitive to the specific needs of trans patients is critical. The fight for accessible, affirming healthcare is a fight for the #dignity and survival of trans people. It's a fight against systems and attitudes that often see them as 'other.' As Del. Bonnie Cullison rightly points out, continuous dialogue and advocacy are essential. The trans community, with #allies and #policymakers, must work together to ensure that gender-affirming care is recognized universally for what it truly is: not a luxury but a fundamental, life-saving aspect of healthcare.

Understanding TGD health and making appropriate referrals can be a lifeline for those with gender incongruence, ensuring they receive equitable care and can live authentically. It is important that clinical educators learn how to bridge knowledge gaps and address biases to support transgender and gender diverse patients. Discover key strategies for providing inclusive and gender-affirming healthcare in our latest article.

Let’s talk about…. Early Access Publication 🔍 In today's fast-paced world, the need for timely dissemination of research is paramount. Early access publication allows us to share critical findings swiftly, fostering collaboration and making advancements accessible to the global medical community. Here a groundbreaking example of the power of early access publication in advancing healthcare knowledge 🏥 The study "Tailored Treatment for Tuberculosis in Transgender Individuals" presents an observational journey advocating for a patient-centered approach in a large Italian cohort. This study marks a 34-year commitment to understanding and advocating for transgender healthcare needs. It's a testament to the enduring spirit of research and the positive impact it can have on patient outcomes. How can early access publication transform your field? Let's continue pushing boundaries and driving positive change in healthcare together #MedicalResearch #EarlyAccess #HealthcareInnovation #TransgenderHealth #PatientCenteredCare #InclusiveResearch #CollaborationForChange Azienda Ospedaliera Ospedale Niguarda Ca' Granda Università degli Studi di Sassari Maurizio Ferrarese Luigi Codecasa

Promoting #inclusivity in scholarly communications means avoiding violent language, like “target,” “tackle,” and “combat,” and using people-first language. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends replacing terms like "vulnerable groups" and being transparent by reporting on #race, #ethnicity, #disability, #LGBTQIA+ communities, & #gender. Read more about fostering inclusive language and #representation here.

Healthcare Experiences Among Young Adults Who Identify as Genderqueer or Nonbinary "Purpose: Research on healthcare among gender-diverse populations has largely focused on people who describe their gender in binary terms, either as trans men or trans women. This qualitative study examined the healthcare experiences of young adults who identify as genderqueer or nonbinary (GQ/NB). Methods: Participants (N = 10) were interviewed about experiences seeking and accessing healthcare. All were young adults (ages 23–33) in the San Francisco Bay area who had accessed healthcare at least once in the prior 6 months. A semistructured interview guide elicited conversations about gender identity and experiences of healthcare. Interview transcripts were analyzed using emergent coding analysis to identify themes. Results: Participants faced unique challenges even at clinics specializing in gender-affirming healthcare. They felt misunderstood by providers who approached them from a binary transgender perspective and consequently often did not receive care sensitive to nonbinary identities. In response to this perceived bias, participants sometimes “borrowed” a binary transgender label to receive care, modified the healthcare they were prescribed, or went without healthcare. The GQ/NB young adults in our study regularly felt disrespected and frustrated as they sought and accessed healthcare. Participants felt that the binary transgender narrative pressured them to conform to binary medical narratives throughout healthcare interactions. Conclusions: GQ/NB young adults have unique healthcare needs but often do not feel understood by their providers. There is a need for existing healthcare systems to serve GQ/NB young adults more effectively." https://lnkd.in/eP-wySAM

QLD - An independent panel of representatives from across the country has found that the care provided by the statewide Queensland Children’s Gender Service (QCGS) is safe, evidence-based and consistent with national and international guidelines for treatment and care of children and adolescents with diverse gender experiences. Pride in Law supports safe and evidence-based gender services to support our LGBTIQA+ community and wider population. KEY FINDINGS include: 🏳️⚧️ Clinical practice within the QCGS is consistent with current national and international guidelines for treatment and care for children and adolescents with diverse gender experiences. 🏳️⚧️ Approximately one third of children and young people assessed by the QCGS were discharged safely and connected with community-based services for ongoing care if required; a third underwent further clinical management and assessment; and a further third were managed with prescriptions for puberty blockers and/or gender-affirming hormones along with ongoing support. 🏳️⚧️ The QCGS works collaboratively as a multidisciplinary team and uses diverse expertise in assessing gender dysphoria and before considering the need for medical intervention. 🏳️⚧️ There was no evidence of children, adolescents or their families being hurried or coerced into making decisions about medical interventions. 🏳️⚧️ Access to care needs to be strengthened through a reduction in the wait list and additional mental health support to children and young people while on the wait list. KEY RECOMMENDATIONS include: ❤️ The establishment of a statewide network to deliver services to children and adolescents with diverse gender experiences, in partnership with private providers and NGOs. 🧡 Immediate staffing increases within the QCGS to meet urgent clinical needs of children and young people currently on the wait list. 💛 Implementation of contemporary systems and process to enhance clinical auditing capabilities, including data collection, monitoring, analysis and reporting. 💚 Consideration of a specialised credentialling for doctors practising in gender services. 💙 Long-term investment in training, education and research to increase health worker expertise and understanding of gender diversity and gender dysphoria. 💜 Publicly funded information, awareness and education regarding the clinical support and pathways available to Queensland children and young people seeking treatment for gender dysphoria. The QCGS provides direct care to 547 children and young people across Queensland, with approximately 40 per cent of those from regional areas. Since the service opened in 2017, demand has grown exponentially year-on-year. A copy of the service evaluation is available here: Queensland Children’s Gender Service (health.qld.gov.au) SOURCE: https://lnkd.in/gqxjs2cw #qld #health #gender #transgender #genderdiverse #lgbt #children

In recent weeks, both Alkermes -- which manufactures drugs that treat psychiatric and neurological disorders -- and Viatris -- which manufactures a range of drugs including those to treat HIV, asthma, multiple sclerosis, and more -- have implemented new requirements for participants of the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program. Savings from this program support patient access and affordability initiatives at community health centers. By issuing these new restrictions on contract pharmacy use, these companies risk reducing the supply of medications for patients across the country, including patients at community health centers and beyond. As I mentioned in the Equitas Health press release: “Given the important medications produced by Alkermes and Viatris, these announcements are very disheartening. Patients shouldn’t have to worry about access to affordable medications like life-saving drugs used to treat chronic illnesses.” To learn more, click on the link below and/or check out the graphic from Community Voices for 340B. https://lnkd.in/etpMpHWa #LGBT #LGBTQ #LGBTQIA #LGBTQIAPlus #Transgender #NonBinary #Intersex #Medical #Medicine #Health #Healthcare #HealthEquity #MedicalCare #Hospital #HealthCenter #Clinic #Doctor #Pharmacy #Pharmaceutical #Drugs #Medication #Prescription #Pharmacist #HIV #HIVAIDS #AIDS #HIVPrevention #Asthma #COPD #ChronicIllness #MS #MentalHealth #Psychiatry #Neurology #CurrentEvents #CurrentAffairs #Law #Legal #Politcal #Politics #Federal #Legilsative #Legislature #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #Belonging #DEI #DEIB

Did you know Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women in the U.S? As #BlackHistoryMonth comes to a close, it's crucial to work toward dismantling #healthcare barriers not just this month but always. Access to quality healthcare should never be a privilege—it's a fundamental human right! That's why I'm excited to share this article, delving into the importance of #healthequity. From cultural barriers to systemic inequalities, this piece shines a light on the challenges many communities face in accessing healthcare. But it doesn't stop there—it offers actionable steps towards achieving equity for all. Together, let's raise our voices, break down barriers & strive for a future where everyone, regardless of background, has equal access to the care they deserve. #DEI

“I hope to see him solve healthcare problems that actually exist” Jamie Wallis Can someone actually help me understand… If there have been zero complaints from biologically female inpatients about the presence of trans patients, how has this become such a priority? (That was a rhetorical question by the way…) When you consider that… 🤔 Transgender people are significantly more likely to be victims of violent crime including sexual assault, rape and violent victimisation than perpetrators of it. 🤔 There are currently unacceptable care delays for medical procedures such as… ➡ Endometriosis diagnosis surgery: I first went to my doctor a year ago for this and am not even on a waiting list yet. ➡ Neurodivergence assessments: as of March this year 140,000 people were waiting for an autism assessment (but it’s okay, you can pay to be assessed on zoom for £750 by someone who has never even met you in person) ➡ Access to quality mental health support: as of February this year, waiting lists stood at 7.22 million and 362,498 appointments requiring waits of over one year. 🤔 Preserving the dignity of all patients is important, but just picture trans people that you know personally or even those you see in the media being treated on a single-sex ward of the gender they do not associate with. Where is the dignity there? I understand that this is a complex debate and everyone has the right to an opinion, but what I can’t get behind is politicians who we place our trust in sidestepping the urgent healthcare challenges our country is facing in favour of scapegoating marginalised communities to win votes.

Happy Pride Month! At Team Telomere, we believe in the power of diversity, inclusion, and health equity. We are committed to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community and all those impacted by telomere biology disorders. We recognize the unique challenges at the intersection of rare disease and LGBTQIA+ healthcare. Many in the LGBTQIA+ community delay seeking vital healthcare due to social stigma, inequality, and unconscious bias, which, in turn, leads to an underdiagnosis of rare diseases in this community. Whether it’s difficulty accessing care, finding affirming providers, or the complexities of accessing affirming care with a rare disease, we are committed to navigating it all with our community. We also recognize this month the profound impact LGBTQIA+ activists have had in rare disease advocacy. HIV/AIDS activists were the first to pave the way for rare disease advocacy, along with a new way to advocate with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This directly led to the passing of the first Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) in 1992. This bill, through its repeated reauthorizations, has completely changed how patients engage with therapy development, particularly with rare diseases and drug approval speed. (source: RDLA Rare Diversity Hub) Our mission is to encourage groundbreaking research, enhance diagnosis, and educate medical providers with a focus on inclusivity. We will continue working together towards a world where everyone receives the care and respect they deserve. #PrideMonth #TeamTelomere #Diversity #Inclusion #HealthEquity #TelomereBiologyDisorder #RareDisease #LGBTQIA