Debbie Kirkendahl, PHR’s Post

As presented at the 2024 AcademyHealth Annual Meeting, LGBTQ+ communities have higher prevalence of #ChronicDisease and worse health outcomes due to limited access to care. #HealthcareNavigation is a valuable model to enhance access, particularly for marginalized populations. Research is limited in this area and #IncludedHealth is looking to fill this gap through #VirtualCare navigation, focusing on solutions that address trust, culturally-affirming provider connections, community-specific benefits navigation, as well as advocacy and education. The study results are promising, yet further research is needed to fully investigate, understand and solve specific barriers that inform virtual navigation possibilities. This study was in partnership with The Eidos LGBTQ+ Health Initiative at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. #ARM24 #LGBTQHealth #TransgenderHealth #GenderAffirmingCare #EmployeeBenefits #HRCommunity #VirtualHealth #Teleheatlh

Addressing mental health disparities in the LGBTQ+ community requires an intersectional approach. We need inclusive settings, educated healthcare providers, and increased access to affirming services. Learn more about these initiatives, like the NYS OASAS Part 830 LGBTQ-Affirming Program Endorsement Standards and Guidance, which sets new standards for inclusive care. Forbes #HealthcareEquity #LGBTQHealth #InclusiveCare #HealthcareForAll #LGBTQRights

Voting is a public health issue. It’s a powerful way to shape policies that impact the well-being of communities, especially those facing marginalization, such as LGBTQ+ populations. The continuous waves of legal attacks against LGBTQ+ rights in some states has had direct consequences on health outcomes, increasing disparities and negatively impacting health. Hostile, anti-LGBTQ+ environments create barriers to healthcare, from restricted access to gender-affirming care to eroded mental health support. Voting gives us the opportunity to influence these systems, to advocate for leaders and policies that protect marginalized populations and promote inclusive, equitable healthcare. Every vote matters in shaping inclusive healthcare systems. Public health recognizes that voting is not just about politics; it’s about protecting and improving the health of our communities as well as the health and well-being of future generations. Supporting candidates and policies that prioritize health equity can create meaningful change, especially in states where disparities are most pronounced. #VoteForHealth #PublicHealth #LGBTQHealth #HealthEquity

LGBTQ+ people face well-documented health disparities and inequities compared to their cisgender, heterosexual peers, and are more likely to live below the poverty line and be enrolled in Medicaid. CHCS blog shares Medicaid policy opportunities to better support LGBTQ+ health, focusing on LGBTQ+ health equity - with insights from LGBTQ+ serving health care providers, Medicaid members and policymakers. https://hubs.la/Q02C3-Cr0

🔹 Corktown Health in Detroit, focused on LGBTQ health, has expanded to include more health centers and increased community outreach, significantly impacting their community. 🔹 CEO Anthony Williams emphasizes Corktown Health's mission to address health disparities and highlights the dedication of staff in creating a supportive environment. 🔹 Originally an AIDS service organization, Corktown has evolved to offer comprehensive LGBTQ primary care, including transgender health services, STI testing, and support services. 🔹 Funding from IFF helped Corktown purchase a facility to centralize services, enhancing their capability to provide diverse healthcare solutions. 🔹 Future plans include a new facility in Hazel Park, aiming to extend accessible care and introduce educational programs for healthcare providers on LGBTQ needs. This expansion and focus on inclusive healthcare are crucial because they address the specific challenges and disparities faced by the LGBTQ community, improving overall health outcomes and quality of life. article: https://lnkd.in/gVcTqmxS #HealthcareEvolution #LGBTQHealth #InclusiveCare #CommunityImpact #CorktownHealth

Join PCSS-MOUD: Educate, Train, Mentor for the live webinar “Mental Health and SUD: Working with LGBTQ+ Individuals” on Thursday, June 13, from 12:00-1:00 pm ET. This presentation will review two specific interventions clinicians can use to create a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ patients; three mental health and substance use challenges that are unique to the LGBTQ+ community; ways in which one’s sexual orientation and gender identity/expression may affect a patient’s treatment/recovery from substance use disorders (SUD), like opioid use disorder (OUD); and discuss culturally informed and culturally sensitive counseling for LGBTQ+ individuals. Learn more and register: https://bit.ly/3V9gffJ #AmericanAcademyofAddictionPsychiatry #PCSSMOUD #SubstanceUseDisorder #LGBTQIHealth

Breaking Barriers in Healthcare for LGBTQ+ Patients with IBD 🌈 We're proud to share groundbreaking findings from our latest survey, shedding light on the significant health disparities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The data reveals the urgent need for more inclusive and equitable healthcare practices. Key findings include: 1. Higher levels of stigma and discrimination reported by LGBTQ+ IBD patients. 2. Increased mental health challenges compared to their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts. 3. Barriers to accessing appropriate and affirming healthcare. These insights highlight the critical importance of fostering an inclusive healthcare environment where every patient feels seen, heard, and supported. At the Global Healthy Living Foundation, we are committed to advocating for policies and practices that ensure equitable care for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Let's work together to create a healthcare system that truly supports and uplifts every individual. Read the full report to learn more about our findings and how we can drive change together: https://lnkd.in/d3H3gDFc and special thanks to Bristol Myers Squibb for supporting this important effort. #HealthEquity #LGBTQHealth #IBD #ChronicIllness #InclusiveHealthcare #GHLF #PatientAdvocacy #HealthcareDisparities #BMS

People in the LGBTQ+ community, including many who are enrolled in Medicaid, face health disparities and inequities, in part due to challenges accessing and receiving quality health care. With growing public pressure and increasing federal and state interest, many policymakers are exploring Medicaid opportunities to better address the health needs of LGBTQ+ members, including by prioritizing inclusivity and engagement. This new infographic highlights the unique health care challenges people in the LGBTQ+ community face and how state Medicaid agencies can support high-quality LGBTQ+ health care. https://bit.ly/3SH8XzA Liz Gipson, Courtney Shahan Roman

Empower your practice with empathy and inclusivity. Join our Queer Affirmative Counseling Practice course, conducted by Shreshtha Malhotra. Learn to create safe, supportive spaces for the LGBTQ+ community and enhance your therapeutic skills. Together, we can make a difference in mental health care. 🌈💙 Find out more in the first comment ✨ #MentalHealth #LGBTQ #QueerAffirmative #Counseling #InclusiveTherapy #Empathy #RCIRegistered #ChildGuidance #AdolescentCounseling #MentalHealthMatters #SupportiveCare #DiversityAndInclusion #TherapistTraining #Psychology #MentalWellness

The 330-page report indicates that not only do only one-half of LGBTQ youth in MA have access to mental health services, but it is even more pronounced in rural areas. Areas for improvement that have been identified involve anti-bullying campaigns and helping youth connect to adult mentors. #LGBTQYouth #MentalHealthCrisis #SupportLGBTQ #MentalHealthAwareness #Advocacy