Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Post

As we celebrate Pride Month, it's essential to recognize the progress made toward equality while acknowledging the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, especially in the healthcare sector. Health equity remains a core principle, ensuring that everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, has access to the care they require. As I renew my commitment to the healthcare finance industry, I am dedicated to advancing initiatives that promote fair and equal healthcare for all individuals. Healthcare organizations play a crucial role in promoting health equity. We can make significant progress by implementing inclusive policies, expanding access to quality care, and creating safe and affirming environments. This includes establishing comprehensive non-discrimination policies, providing inclusive health benefits, and ensuring culturally competent care through ongoing training. Additionally, partnerships with LGBTQ+ organizations and community engagement are essential in connecting individuals with the necessary resources and support. Together, we can create a more inclusive healthcare system that celebrates diversity and supports the well-being of all communities. By prioritizing health equity, we honor the spirit of Pride Month and move towards a healthier, more equitable future for everyone.

As we wrap up Pride Month, it’s a great time to highlight states and healthcare entities providing inclusive care. Take a minute to look at the Healthcare Equality Index 2024. HEI participants are given a score based on how many LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and practices they have in place in four different criteria areas. The first criterion consists of the foundational elements of LGBTQ+ patient-centered care. The three remaining criteria are Patient Services and Support, Employee Benefits and Policies, and Patient and Community Engagement. Shout out to Atrium Health on this list, who also was the first Mobile Integrated Healthcare Program to earn MIH Accreditation in 2024. As healthcare leaders, we have a responsibility to put Pride into practice this (and every) month to ensure none of us falls through the cracks.  

LGBTQ+ issues are diverse and complicated. Historically #LGBTQ+ people have faced discrimination in every area of their lives from employment to housing to healthcare. Along with AARP research, scholarly research supports the notion that LGBTQ+ people sometimes create strategies to avoid discrimination such as going back into the closet to find suitable housing, or forgoing essential healthcare which could ultimately lead to negative physical and mental health outcomes, thereby jeopardizing their longevity. AARP Policy, Research, and Thought Leadership has conducted research to increase our understanding of the lived experience of LGBTQ+ adults age 45+ in the areas of health care access, financial security, caregiving, isolation, and relationships (and more) through the Dignity Series. We began with AARP’s landmark research studies: Maintaining Dignity: A Survey of LGBT Adults Age 45 and Older in 2017, The State of LGBTQ Dignity 2020: A Supplement to Maintaining Dignity Pre-Covid-19, which was released in 2021 and Dignity 2022: The Experience of LGBTQ Older Adults.  In August 2024, AARP will release Dignity 2024: The Experience of LGBTQ+ Adults. For more information about our LGBTQ+ Research, go to www.aarp.org/LGBTQdignity

Celebrate Pride by Championing Health Equity for LGBTQ+ June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community's progress toward equality. But many LGBTQ+ individuals still face challenges accessing quality healthcare. Discrimination, lack of cultural competency among providers, and limited access to gender-affirming care are just a few hurdles. This month, we’re amplifying the work of organizations committed to breaking down these barriers and creating a more equitable healthcare system. Here are just a few: -GLMA, Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality: Works to ensure healthcare equity for LGBTQ+ individuals and provides resources for healthcare professionals. -National Coalition for LGBTQ: Advocates for the inclusion of LGBTQ+ health concerns through federal and state advocacy, medical and consumer education, and health services research. -The Trevor Project: Lifelines for LGBTQ+ youth in crisis, providing suicide prevention and mental health support. -National Center for Transgender Equality: Advocates for policy changes to create a more inclusive society for transgender people. -The Tegan and Sara Foundation: They collaborated with GMLA to produce the LGBTQ+ Healthcare Directory, a free, searchable database of all kinds of doctors, medical professionals and healthcare providers who are knowledgeable and sensitive to the unique health needs of LGBTQ+ people in the USA and Canada. Help us spread the word about their important work and inspire others to help bridge the gap in care. Share this post with your network, and if you know of an organization that is helping to bridge the gap in healthcare for the LGBTQ+ community, drop it in the comments.

Supporting health equity for the LGBTQIA+ community starts with awareness and partnership. Public health workers are instrumental in addressing healthcare disparities faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. Through education, advocacy, and support within communities, families, schools, and healthcare providers, we can make a significant impact. The 2024 Human Rights Campaign’s Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) shows promise—a record number of participants, more than 1,065 U.S. healthcare facilities, took this survey that measures LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and practices. The report found that overall, healthcare facilities nationwide are making significant strides in LGBTQ+ patient-centered care, implementing best practices, and staff training. Here are some key resources and organizations that support the LGBTQIA+ community: • NACDD’s Enhancing Cancer Program Grantee Capacity Through Peer-to-Peer Learning series on Strengthening Cancer Health Equity in LGBTQ+ Communities • Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality https://ow.ly/8vjU50SrVOa • Healthcare Equality Index: An annual survey by the Human Rights Campaign on healthcare inclusiveness for LGBTQ patients, visitors, and employees. https://ow.ly/hcBK50SrVOn • NAMI: Provides information about LGBTQ mental health https://ow.ly/6jMy50SrVOe • PFLAG: Focuses on support, information, and resources for LGBTQ individuals, their families, and allies. https://ow.ly/hPf350SrVOh • The Trevor Project: Offers information and support to LGBTQ young people https://ow.ly/JWk150SrVOg • American Psychological Association: Provides educational and support resources on a range of LGBTQ topics, including practitioner guidance. https://ow.ly/cU3950SrVOi • GLAAD: A nonprofit organization advancing acceptance through fair, accurate, and inclusive representation https://ow.ly/W8Lx50SrVOc Join us in spreading awareness and supporting these organizations! #PrideMonth #LGBTQIA #HealthEquity #EndDiscrimination #MentalHealth #NACDD #PublicHealth #Inclusion #BeAnAlly

Creating safe and inclusive healthcare environments is not just a necessity—it's a right. Every individual deserves to feel secure and respected when seeking medical care, especially those within the LGBTQ+ community, who often face significant barriers and discrimination. Why are these resources so crucial? Reduces Health Disparities: LGBTQ+ individuals frequently encounter healthcare disparities. Inclusive resources ensure these communities receive competent care tailored to their needs, reducing health risks. Builds Trust: When healthcare settings are inclusive, they foster a sense of trust and safety among LGBTQ+ patients, encouraging them to seek care when needed without fear of judgment or mistreatment. Promotes Mental Well-being: Discrimination in healthcare can lead to increased stress and anxiety. Safe environments support the mental health of LGBTQ+ patients, contributing to overall well-being. Educates Healthcare Providers: Resources that focus on inclusivity also educate providers about the unique health needs of LGBTQ+ patients, leading to better health outcomes. Strengthens Community Health: Inclusive healthcare practices enhance the overall health of the LGBTQ+ community, leading to stronger, healthier communities. Advances Equality: By advocating for inclusive care, we push forward the broader agenda of equality and acceptance in all areas of society. Healthcare providers and institutions must implement practices that ensure every patient, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can access the care they need in a respectful and welcoming environment. #LGBTQHealth #InclusiveHealthcare #SafeSpaces #HealthEquality #LGBTQWellbeing #HealthcareForAll #LGBTQAdvocacy #EqualCare #InclusiveMedicine #PrideInHealthcare

Celebrate Pride by Championing Health Equity for LGBTQ+ June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community's progress toward equality. But many LGBTQ+ individuals still face challenges accessing quality healthcare. Discrimination, lack of cultural competency among providers, and limited access to gender-affirming care are just a few hurdles. This month, we’re amplifying the work of organizations committed to breaking down these barriers and creating a more equitable healthcare system. Here are just a few: -GLMA, Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality: Works to ensure healthcare equity for LGBTQ+ individuals and provides resources for healthcare professionals. -National Coalition for LGBTQ: Advocates for the inclusion of LGBTQ+ health concerns through federal and state advocacy, medical and consumer education, and health services research. -The Trevor Project: Lifelines for LGBTQ+ youth in crisis, providing suicide prevention and mental health support. -National Center for Transgender Equality: Advocates for policy changes to create a more inclusive society for transgender people. -The Tegan and Sara Foundation: They collaborated with GMLA to produce the LGBTQ+ Healthcare Directory, a free, searchable database of all kinds of doctors, medical professionals and healthcare providers who are knowledgeable and sensitive to the unique health needs of LGBTQ+ people in the USA and Canada. Help us spread the word about their important work and inspire others to help bridge the gap in care. Share this post with your network, and if you know of an organization that is helping to bridge the gap in healthcare for the LGBTQ+ community, drop it in the comments.

Join us today, June 27th at 3pm EST for "Empowering LGBTQ+ Caregivers: Benefits That Make a Difference"! Save Your Spot --->>https://lnkd.in/gg6JFeYE We're thrilled to team up with FOLX Health and Aon to explore why caregiving is more prevalent in the LGBTQ+ community and the importance of inclusive benefits, such as non-discriminatory healthcare services and diversity training, for attracting and retaining LGBTQ+ talent. What You’ll Learn: ⚪ LGBTQ+ Caregivers in Focus:Learn about the 9% of caregivers who identify as LGBTQ+ and their unique experiences in the caregiving landscape. ⚪ Caregiving Prevalence: Discover why caregiving is even more prevalent in the LGBTQ+ community, with 1 in 4 individuals identifying as caregivers, compared to 1 in 5 in the general U.S. population. ⚪ Employment and Benefits: Discuss the importance of LGBTQ+-specific benefits for job seekers, such as non-discriminatory healthcare services, diversity training, and inclusive benefits for partners. Speakers: Jaime C. Burnham, SVP of Growth, FOLX Health Karan Chawla, Chief Product and Marketing Officer, Homethrive Kristen Grady, Vice President, Aon Patrick Twohig Chief Commercial Officer, Homethrive Can't make it? Register anyway and we'll share the recording out after! Save Your Spot --->>https://lnkd.in/gg6JFeYE

🌈✨ As Pride Month wraps up, let’s keep the momentum going! Advocacy/allyship for the LGBTQ+ community, especially for those with intersectional identities encompassing race, ethnicity, and disability, must be a year-round commitment. By addressing inequality and promoting inclusion at all societal levels, we can reduce internalised minority stress and systemic biases. An ecological approach can help address and dismantle systemic biases and internalised minority stress. Here’s how: 🔍 What is the Ecological Approach? The ecological approach considers how individual, relational, community, organisational, and policy levels interact to influence experiences and outcomes. This comprehensive perspective allows us to create meaningful and sustained change. 🌟 Benefits of the Ecological Approach: Holistic Understanding: Addresses the complex interplay of factors affecting LGBTQ+ individuals. Targeted Interventions: Enables specific strategies at each level to combat inequality. Sustainable Impact: Promotes long-term systemic change. 📚 Intrapersonal Level Focus: Self-awareness and education. Intervention: Regularly engage in self-reflection and education on intersectionality. Use inclusive language and challenge personal biases. 🤝 Interpersonal Level Focus: Relationships and interactions. Intervention: Foster inclusive and supportive relationships. Speak out against micro-aggressions and discrimination in your circles. 🏙️ Community Level Focus: Local organisations and social networks. Intervention: Support and volunteer with local LGBTQ+ groups. Advocate for inclusive community events and accessible resources for all. 🏫 Organisational Level Focus: Workplaces and institutions. Intervention: Promote diversity and inclusion policies at work. Implement training programs that address intersectionality. Create support networks for LGBTQ+ employees. 🏛️ Policy Level Focus: Legislation and systemic structures. Intervention: Advocate for laws that protect LGBTQ+ rights. Support policies that ensure equitable access to healthcare, housing, and employment. By addressing these issues at every level, we can work towards a society that not only celebrates diversity but also ensures equity and justice for all its members. #Pride365 #IntersectionalityMatters #YearRoundAdvocacy #EcologicalApproach