Nomad Desk US’ Post

I would be remiss if I let PRIDE month go by without highlighting the importance of care and aknowledgment of this marginalized population of people... LGBT+ inclusion in public health is crucial for ensuring equitable healthcare access and outcomes for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Historically, LGBT+ individuals have faced significant barriers to healthcare, including discrimination, stigma, and a lack of provider knowledge about their specific health needs. This has led to health disparities, such as higher rates of mental health issues, substance abuse, and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS, among LGBT+ populations. Addressing these disparities requires targeted public health strategies that recognize and respond to the unique experiences of LGBT+ individuals. Culturally competent care, which includes understanding the specific health risks and needs of LGBT+ patients, is essential. For instance, transgender individuals may require access to hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgeries, while gay and bisexual men may benefit from targeted HIV prevention and treatment programs. Incorporating LGBT+ health issues into public health education and training for healthcare providers is also vital. This helps reduce stigma and discrimination within healthcare settings, encouraging LGBT+ individuals to seek and receive appropriate care. Additionally, inclusive public health policies and programs can foster a more supportive environment, promoting mental well-being and reducing the risk of negative health outcomes. Research and data collection on LGBT+ health issues are equally important. By understanding the specific health challenges faced by LGBT+ populations, public health officials can develop and implement more effective interventions. This can lead to improved health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs by addressing issues proactively rather than reactively. The inclusion of LGBT+ considerations in public health is essential for promoting health equity, improving health outcomes, and ensuring that all individuals have access to the care they need. It fosters a healthcare system that respects and responds to the diverse needs of the population, ultimately leading to a healthier, more inclusive society. I urge everyone to to do their part in helping make this world a better place. I sit on my university's LGBT+ committee advocating for students, staff and faculty. I support LGBT+ restaraunts, vendors, and parades and events. Something as small as using a persons preferred pronouns can go a long way. DO YOUR PART!!! #publichealth #PRIDE #LGBTQIA+ #minorityhealth #advocacy #communityengagement #communityhealth #DEI #diversity #healthequity

Haven't heard of the Grand Rapids LGBTQ+ Healthcare Consortium yet? Or wonder what they do? Or even, why is it important? Well check us out!! The Consortium is a amazing group of entities and individuals who believe we can make a positive difference in our communities by collaborating, addressing real issues in innovative ways, and by sharing the work with other like minded entities and individuals. The Consortium began in 2018 and remains a grass roots movement that became a 501(c)3 in April 2021. The Consortium was 100% volunteer run until July 2023 when an executive director was hired. We have two fabulous AmeriCorps members through Cherry Health who are focused on specific projects, and a few volunteers who help with projects and programs. Not to mention our fantastic board of directors, several who have been on the board since becoming a 501(c)3! We have: Health Education Series - virtual monthly talks from LGBTQ+ affirming providers sharing about a service they offer LGBTQ+ individuals, how their office works at being safe and affirming, and answers questions. This is recorded and housed on our YouTube channel for anyone to access. Med PATH Mentors is a mentoring program focused on high school youth who want to go into healthcare as a career. Our goal is to encourage youth from the LGBTQ+ community and/or People of Color to not only pick healthcare as a career but then to join the healthcare systems in Grand Rapids post training. We will be graduating three high school seniors this year, and have two sophomores who will also be completing the program with the option to join again next year. Program runs September - May. Provider/Payer workgroup just launched and is an attempt to break down silos between groups, bring key stakeholders to the conversation to make healthcare less cumbersome, more efficient and hopefully a better experience for all, especially for the patients. Plus other projects either happening or in planning phases! Please check us out and reach out if you'd like to get involved, join a program, collaborate on something, or discuss how the Consortium can help on your journey to being a safe and affirming place for ALL! https://lnkd.in/eqc6-UPf

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced new investments in The Pride Health Center at NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Judson, one of seven Pride Health Centers in the city’s public health system offering culturally-sensitive and comprehensive gender-affirming health care services to LGBTQ+ patients. Funded and developed in collaboration with the NYC Unity Project and the New York City Mayor’s Office of Equity & Racial Justice (MOERJ), the new investments include bolstering community and mental health programming, training for Judson staff, renovating the second floor of the clinic’s century old facilities to create community spaces, and expanding access to confidential services for HIV prevention efforts. Today’s announcement builds on the Adams administration’s continued investments toward supporting the LGBTQ+ community, including a $5.4 million restoration towards the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) contracts for HIV related programs announced in the Fiscal Year 2025 Adopted Budget: https://on.nyc.gov/4ctEdtB.

🌟 National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day serves as a vital moment to recognize and address the unique health disparities faced by Native communities, including LGBTQ individuals. 🏳️🌈 This event is crucial in highlighting the intersectionality of health disparities within Native LGBTQ communities.  It emphasizes the need for culturally competent healthcare, focusing on inclusivity, and raising awareness about HIV/AIDS prevention and care in a respectful manner. 🌐 For LGBTQ organizations, centers, and groups, National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day holds significant relevance.  It provides an opportunity to advocate for the health and well-being of Native LGBTQ individuals, fostering inclusivity, and addressing the specific health priorities of this community. 💖 CenterLink and member centers play a vital role in providing support, resources, and inclusive healthcare services for Native LGBTQ individuals.  They serve as safe spaces where cultural competence is prioritized, ensuring that everyone receives the care and support they deserve. 💪 Let's amplify the conversation! Share your thoughts below on how we can collectively address health disparities and promote inclusivity for Native LGBTQ communities on this awareness day. 👇 Looking for connection and community? Locate the nearest LGBTQ+ Center in your area: https://lnkd.in/e6jecvqT 📸 [Image Description: A vibrant image featuring Native LGBTQ individuals, celebrating unity and health awareness, with the CenterLink brand and text displaying the topic of 5 Ways LGBTQ Groups Can Address Health Disparities on National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day .] #NativeHealthEquity #LGBTQInclusivity #NNHAAD  #lgbtqcenters

🥂 We finally made it to February! 🥂 January always feels like the worlds longest month, so congratulations to everyone for making it through. 😂 February also marks the start of LGBT+ History Month, and with this year’s theme of ‘Medicine - #underthescope’ I wanted to highlight some of the key moments in LGBT+ healthcare history. ❤️ 1981 - The first cases of AIDS are recorded. Terrence Higgins is the first British gay man diagnosed with AIDS and his partner and friends set up the Terrence Higgins Trust after his death in 1982, which goes on to become a leading sexual health and HIV charity in the UK 🧡 1996 - Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) is found to significantly delay the onset of AIDS in people living with HIV, marking a significant breakthrough in AIDS treatment. The NHS makes the treatment available in the UK 💛 2004 – LGBT+ History Month is founded. The UK Gender Recognition Act becomes law on July 1st, offering trans people full legal recognition of their change of gender 💚 2006 - The first annual LGBT Health Summit is held in London, providing a safe and supportive space for individuals, organisations, and activists to come together to discuss and debate LGBT healthcare practices in the UK 💙 2018 - The UK’s Government Equalities Office publishes the National LGBT Survey. Over 108,000 people participated in the survey making it the largest national survey of LGBT people in the world to date 💜 2019 - The World Health Organisation declassifies transgender as a mental illness. The UK Government appoints Dr Michael Brady as the first National Advisor for LGBT Health in the NHS This is of course just a small selection of the incredible achievements in LGBT+ healthcare. Which ones have I missed? #lgbthistorymonth #lgbtqia #lgbtqrights #lgbtqhealth #healthcare

In the 1980s, during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, many countries imposed lifetime bans on blood donations from transgender individuals and MSM (men who have sex with men).   According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), transgender individuals are about 13 times more likely to be HIV-positive than the general adult population. In regions like Asia and the Pacific, transgender women disproportionately represent 7% of new HIV infections.    World Blood Donor Day calls attention to the importance of safe blood donations and the need to end discriminatory donor eligibility criteria, fostering a more inclusive and efficient global blood donation network.  https://lnkd.in/dXGEGzAn #WorldBloodDonorDay #HIVAwareness #AIDSEpidemic #TransgenderHealth #BloodDonation #LGBTQ #EndDiscrimination #Healthcare #WHO #BloodDonations #Health #Awareness #Equality #Support #Community #GlobalHealth #Indiaspend

I went for my PSA test. The lab technician was surprised at first, but then she figured out my legal name and birth gender from my EHR. The important thing is, she was respectful. Next step: a prostate exam. As triggering as it can be for some of us, I am committed to educating myself and other trans and gender-diverse patients about the importance of taking care of our health. PSA levels in queer, trans, and gender-diverse individuals receiving estrogen therapy might not be as reliable for detecting prostate issues, including prostate cancer, since the suppression of testosterone can mask rising PSA levels. Please check with your physician for alternative monitoring methods. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) is often used as a screening tool for prostate cancer. Just like with HIV screening, we need to raise awareness and education around prostate and colon cancer screenings. The fear of discrimination at the doctor’s office can cost us our lives. #linkedintopvoices #allies #allyship #RebekonConsultingLLC #diversityequityinclusion #diversity #diversityequityandinclusion #hrconsulting #hr #mentalhealth #hrtech #Bathroom2Boardroom #diversityandinclusion #neurodiversity #hradvice #hrrecruiter #hrrecruitment #leadership #humanresources #deib #lgbtq #transgender #genderdiverse #gendernonbinary #humanrights #ceo #ceos #leadership #leaders #healthcare #healthequity #diversityinclinicaltrials #genderequity #racialequity #entrepreneurs

Have you ever wondered how businesses can contribute to the health and well-being of the LGBTQIA+ community? At Publicly Private, we strive to promote accessible and discreet sexual health resources through our efforts, Venture and Explore. Venture provides individuals with easy access to screening for STDs/STIs, including HIV, and baseline PrEP services, all from the comfort of their own home. We understand the disproportionate effect of HIV in the south and aim to make knowing your status simple and convenient. Our testing kits also come with a virtual consultation with a physician to ensure the best possible care. Additionally, Explore aims to educate and promote awareness for the LBTQIA+ community. We provide articles on various topics including Culture, Community, and Health, to help our members educate themselves and learn from one another. Our mission is to provide accessible and discreet resources to promote well-being for those in the LGBTQIA+ community. Connect with us on LinkedIn and learn more about how we're making a difference in people's lives. #PubliclyPrivate Learn More about LGBTQIA+ Health by clicking the link. https://lnkd.in/ghW5WYpH #YouHaveAHome #lgbtq #lgbtcommunity #socialgood #endhiv #hivawareness #healthcareaccess #sexualhealth #STDscreening #HIVtesting #nonprofit

HIV is no longer the death sentence it once was." This was the opening line in this morning's Commons debate on the 2024 legislation. A law introduced under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Regulations 1990 prevented people in same-sex relationships, where either or both partners were diagnosed with #HIV, from starting a family. This restriction did not apply to couples in opposite-sex relationships (referred to as heterosexuals). 34 years later, thanks to tireless campaigning and advocacy by the National AIDS Trust, this law has finally been amended. As the speaker in the House of Lords just said, “Advances in medication have eliminated the risk of transmission, yet policy has failed to keep pace with these changes.” When I was diagnosed five and a half years ago, I was devastated. The pain of discrimination I continue to face as the world struggles to catch up is relentless. I first learned of this law during Pride Month 2023, when the National AIDS Trust launched their campaign. It shattered yet another dream. The dream of starting my own family. Today, they’ve given me that dream back. This is a huge victory for the HIV and LGBT+ communities, and it would never have been possible without the unwavering efforts of the many charities involved. Special shout out to Adam Freedman, who attended both live debates today, and to Jude Clarke, who has kept me informed every step of the way. I've chosen to share this snip from the debate as it was the most beautiful explanation of what this change, will bring! Now, I'm off to enjoy a glass of bubbly! #hivawareness #LGBTQIA #FertilityEquality #InclusiveHealthcare #HumanRights #APPG #HIVAdvocacy #EqualAccess #FertilityLaw #ParliamentDebate #EmbryologyAmendment #LGBTQFamily #EqualityInHealthcare #ReproductiveRights #DiversityAndInclusion #LegislativeChange #HealthcareForAll