LGBT Health Week Gives Health Care Providers and Patients Opportunity for Open Conversations
Mautner Project, Human Rights Campaign and Gay and Lesbian Medical Association Team Up to Offer Important Resources
WASHINGTON - In honor of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health Awareness Week — March 12 through 18 — the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association, the Human Rights Campaign and the Mautner Project today released a new tool and online videos designed to help GLBT people be more open and improve communications with their health care providers.“Health care providers need the complete picture to give the best care possible and patients need to know their honesty will be welcomed,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese. “These resources are designed to create a healthy environment for honest conversations between providers and gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender patients.”
“Individual and institutional homophobia in the healthcare system has a devastating effect on the health and wellbeing of the LGBT community,” says Mautner Project Executive Director Kathleen DeBold. “By improving communications between patients and providers, this simple tool will help LGBT patients receive the quality health care they need and deserve.”
“The research is clear — the LGBT people, like racial and ethnic minorities, experience serious health disparities. It’s exciting that our community’s leaders are joining forces to address these inequalities,” says GLMA Executive Director Joel Ginsberg.
The organizations are co-releasing a simple two-sided tool providing tips to both health care providers and LGBT patients. Download a free tool.
Online videos also being released this week with messages on being open with providers and tips for providers on how to create more welcoming spaces for their patients. Watch the first video or watch the second video.
The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.
Mautner Project, the National Lesbian Health Organization, improves the health and wellbeing of women who partner with women and their families through advocacy, education, research, and direct service. Mautner envisions a healthcare system that is guided by social justice and responsive to the needs of all people.
Founded in 1981, The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association is the world’s largest and oldest association of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender healthcare providers.
National LGBT Health Awareness Week is an initiative of the National Coalition for LGBT Health.