Oak Street Health’s Post

A recent study conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation, a nonpartisan health policy research organization, reveals that LGBTQ+ patients face discrimination at higher rates than non-LGBT patients. “Lack of affirming or safe clinicians is a huge factor, which results in a lot of people not going to get routine care, because they're fearful that they have to be silent about who they are or hide their identity to actually get the care they need,” says Carey Candrian, PhD, associate professor of internal medicine at the CU School of Medicine, who focuses her research on improving the way older LGBT people are cared for during serious illnesses, especially during end of life care. Learn more about the study here: https://lnkd.in/gpBzv2Sr #LGBTQ+ #Medicine #Study

As LGBTQ+ population increases in senior living, so must provider inclusivity actions McKnight’s - LGBTQ+ older adults are one of the fastest emerging populations in senior living, presenting both opportunities and challenges for providers, according to a legal expert. During a recent webinar from national law firm Hinshaw & Culbertson offering culturally appropriate care and services to LGBTQ+ older adults, partner David Alfini outlined special considerations that LGBTQ+ senior living residents bring and proactive approaches that providers can take to create an inclusive environment for all residents. https://lnkd.in/gaHzf-Tw

Health is a human right and this Pride Month 🌈 and every month for that matter, we want to focus attention on the importance of LGBTQ+ healthcare inclusivity. Yes, inclusivity in healthcare means access to the services one needs, but equally important is receiving care that acknowledges and respects who we are as individuals. Continued education, awareness and policies that support the unique health needs of LGBTQ+ individuals are critical to ensuring the health of our larger world community. “A third of LGBT adults say that a doctor or another health care provider has treated them unfairly or with disrespect, compared with about 15% of adults who don’t identify as LGBT... and more than 33% of LGBT adults have said they’ve become less likely to seek health care or have switched providers, compared to about 15% of other adults.” - CNN Health April 2024 The FSi Strategy team is allied with the LGBTQ+ community and is committed to doing work that will improve the health and care experience for all.    https://lnkd.in/gW4aTEgN  #PrideMonth #HealthForAll #LGBTQHealth #InclusiveHealthcare 

Did you know that the LGBTQIA+ community is designated by the NIH as a Population Experiencing Health Disparities? When compared to heterosexual counterparts, folks who identify as LGBTQIA+: -experience worse physical health; -are more likely to rate their health as poor, have more chronic conditions, and have higher prevalence and earlier onset of disabilities; and -experience higher rates of sexual and physical violence. And youth who identify as LGBTQIA+: -experience higher rates of mental illness and suicidality; -are more likely to engage in certain risk taking activities, including not using condoms; -experience higher rates of discrimination; -are more likely to experience homelessness; -are more likely to report feeling unsafe at school (because of their sexual orientation or gender identity); -experience higher rates of violence (2 times higher); -report being physically forced to have sexual intercourse against their will at a rate 3 times higher than their heterosexual peers. This is only some of the staggering data. And it’s from 2018! (In light of recent anti-LGBTQ health care laws across the country, we can only imagine what the disparities are now.) We all must do our part to foster informed dialogue and drive meaningful engagement in LGBTQ health care to reduce these disparities and ensure that the LGBTQIA+ community has access to high quality, appropriate care. This year’s LGBTQ Health Awareness Week theme emphasizes the vital role of vibrant and diverse voices in raising awareness about the health challenges facing the LGBTQ community. Learn more at the National Coalition for LGBTQ Health: https://lnkd.in/gxJGB6cw Data source: https://lnkd.in/egzJ6KWf #LGBTQHealth #LGBTQIA #LGBTQIAPlus #LGBTQHealthAwareness #VitalVibrantVoices

Re: LGBTQ+ health, here are 2 timely reads, one highlighting problems resulting from discrimination & the other offering ways to combat them. 1st) the bad news: a new survey details the range of obstacles to high quality care that can lead to health problems which could have been prevented 2nd) the positive guidance: a new report from the federal government offers steps to improve care for LGBTQ+ youth (& many of the steps apply to those of all ages). https://lnkd.in/eDTNMC7Q

We need your help! The year 2024 is shaping up to be a particularly challenging one in the field of LGBTQ+ medicine. As the LGBTQ+ community actively participates in societal and military efforts during the war, Israel's resources are predominantly being allocated towards the rehabilitation of injured soldiers and addressing long-neglected mental health issues. Since 2021, the Tel Aviv Medical Center (Ichilov) has been spearheading a new LGBTQ+ health program. This initiative not only coordinates all LGBTQ+ health services at the hospital but also emphasizes specialized training for healthcare providers. These trainings, including international sessions, cover various areas such as LGBTQ+ geriatrics, adolescent medicine, parenthood, and expanding gender-affirming services. Additionally, over the past year, we've initiated groundbreaking training programs for healthcare providers at the Tel Aviv Medical Center's simulation center, thereby disseminating LGBTQ+ health knowledge nationwide. There are numerous exciting projects ahead aimed at enhancing the community's health. While last year we received support from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry for Social Equality, it appears that this year, we will have to halt all new programs, including simulation center training and the development of new services and clinics. It's with a heavy heart that I write this, realizing the need to prioritize the collective good over individual concerns. Currently, we face the difficult decision of discontinuing our LGBTQ+ project manager and social worker roles, which threatens the viability of ongoing and future projects. In these times, while the focus is predominantly on war-related donations, it's crucial to remember that the LGBTQ+ services at risk are also vital for saving lives. We must not overlook the importance of maintaining diverse health services, as everyone deserves better and equal care in the aftermath. If you are willing to help sustain our efforts, please contact me directly for more information. Roy. #lgbtqhealth #telaviv #israel

Many LGBTQ+ seniors grew up in times of severe discrimination, affecting their trust in healthcare systems. **Tailored Approach**: Culturally sensitive training for healthcare providers can help build trust and open communication. LGBTQ+ seniors are more likely to be single and less likely to have children, which can lead to isolation and mental health challenges. **Tailored Approach**: Creating community programs and support groups specifically for LGBTQ+ seniors can provide vital social support. Studies suggest that LGBTQ+ seniors might face a higher risk of certain conditions like heart disease, depression, and HIV/AIDS. **Tailored Approach**: Healthcare providers need to be proactive in screening and providing preventative care tailored to these risks. Past discrimination can lead LGBTQ+ seniors to hide their identity from healthcare providers, impacting the care they receive. **Tailored Approach**: Establishing non-discrimination policies and visibly inclusive environments can encourage openness for better health outcomes. There is a scarcity of health resources that specifically address the needs of LGBTQ+ seniors. **Tailored Approach**: Developing training programs about the specific health concerns of LGBTQ+ seniors for medical professionals is crucial. Ensuring that LGBTQ+ seniors receive compassionate and competent care will not only improve their quality of life but also honor their contributions to our communities over the decades. #LGBTQSeniors #InclusiveHealthcare #SeniorCare #AgingWithPride #LGBTQAging #ElderCare #SeniorHealth #LGBTQAdvocacy #HealthEquality #PrideInAging

TRIGGER WARNING: This post & the linked URL references self-harm and suicidal thoughts  .  .  .  LGBT + YOUNG ADULTS ARE OVER TWICE AS LIKELY TO SELF-HARM    I posted about how we are failing our LGBT+ people back in July and someone shared this article with me.     The article makes for stark reading. If you’re an LGBT+ young adult you are:   3 x more likely to experience a mental health condition…    Nearly 2 x more likely to have experienced suicidal thoughts or feelings…    Over 2 x more likely to self-harm…  ... than non LGBT+ young adults. These statistics are from a new report published by Just Like Us in June.    “It is no surprise that living in a society that often fails to support LGBT+ young people, and can even be actively anti-LGBT+, takes a toll on their mental and physical health.” – Amy Ashenden, interim CEO of Just Like Us.   #DiversityAndInclusion #Belonging #Wellbeing #Equity 

❗️September is suicide prevention month❗️ As a survivor, this is a deeply personal subject for me, and 10 years ago this was rarely ever spoken about. I’m happy to see the difference today, especially on this platform. I just wanted to post this to remind anyone out there who suffer with suicidal thoughts or depression to please seek help, and know that you’re not alone. The world is far better with you in it. As a queer person, I feel it’s important to bring up the fact that LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times likely to attempt suicide than their peers. 58% of LGBTQ+ youth reportedly experience symptoms of depression. Including almost two thirds of transgender and nonbinary youth. 45% of LGBTQ+ youth considered suicide in the past year. This includes more than half of trans and nonbinary youth. 14% of LGBTQ+ youth attempted suicide in the past year, including almost 1 in 5 trans and nonbinary youth. If you’re a straight cisgender person who’s not sure what you can do to help keep these statistics down and be an ally, please make sure to check in with your LGBTQ+ friends, children, colleagues, relatives, employees etc to find out how you can best support them. Source and further information can be found at https://lnkd.in/eDbTRCS7. #suicidepreventionmonth #lgbtq #lgbtqcommunity #preventionmonth

🌈LGBT+ Healthcare Disparities: Are we close to bridging the gap? 🌈In honor of LGBT+ History Month 2024, the spotlight is on the field of medicine and the healthcare experiences of the LGBT+ community. While strides have been made, health disparities based on sexual orientation and gender identity still persist. Structural stigma, encompassing societal conditions and institutional policies that limit opportunities and well-being, plays a significant role in these disparities. 🌈LGBTQ+ individuals face elevated risks in mental, behavioral, and physical health compared to their cisgender heterosexual counterparts. The disparities are substantial, prompting a closer examination of their root causes, including structural factors like stigma. 🌈Notably, transgender and gender-diverse individuals constitute an underserved community disproportionately impacted by adverse health outcomes. Many report mental health conditions, yet their needs often go unrecognized or unmet during healthcare encounters. 🌈The World Health Organization's efforts to develop guidelines for transgender and gender-diverse health are commendable first steps, coupled with community engagement in research to address structural stigma. Every individual, regardless of their gender identity, deserves a healthcare system that respects and supports them. 🌈As we delve deeper into understanding dementia risk factors, it's essential to recognize that health inequalities play a pivotal role. Factors such as structural stigma, encompassing societal conditions and institutional policies, significantly influence an individual's dementia risk. 🌈Addressing health inequalities should be at the forefront of dementia risk reduction initiatives and care plans. By bridging these gaps, we can strive for a more equitable healthcare landscape for all. #lgbthistorymonth #prevention #healthequity #healtheducation #dementiaeducation