Nov 30, 2012 | LGBT Health
December 1, 2012 marks the 24th annual World AIDS Day. Started in 1988 as the first ever global health day by the the Global Programme on AIDS at the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland, it is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died of AIDS. It is also a day where we recognize and acknowledge the extraordinary contributions of the LGBT communities here in new York City, across the country and around the world in bringing this disease and its ravages out of the darkness of stigma, ignorance and despair and into the light, by demanding dignity for all people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS and access to life saving treatment and care.
Although we have made tremendous progress in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care, there are still challenges we face and barriers to overcome within the LGBT communities. In the USA, men who have sex with men still account for 78% of estimated HIV diagnoses among all males aged 13 years and older, and 61% of estimated diagnoses among all persons receiving an HIV diagnosis. Among all gay and bisexual men, blacks/African Americans bear the greatest disproportionate burden of HIV. From 2006 to 2009, HIV infections among young black/African American gay and bisexual men increased 48% (CDC, 2010). Globally, in countries like Uganda which is still seeking to pass a law which would see any person alleged to be homosexual at risk for life imprisonment and any health care providers treating them at risk for severe censure, the stigma, discrimination and violence against gay and bisexual men keep the epidemic underground, transmission unabated and treatment undelivered.
Stigma and fear of stigma and discrimination are still major factors in preventing those at risk in the US and around the world from seeking access to the best prevention practices, the latest treatment and to needed support for living with HIV. We now know that testing and early treatment with anti-retrovirals not only prolong life for those living with HIV, but offer effective prevention in decreasing the risk of transmission. These can also be used by HIV negative persons to prevent transmission if exposed.
Continuum Health Partners strives to be part of the ongoing solution by educating all of our patients on the benefits of testing and treatment for HIV; for themselves, their partners, their family members and friends. Our commitment to offering respectful and culturally competent care to all of our LGBT patients, creates an atmosphere of trust in which nobody has to be afraid to be “out” to their provider and to access vital information and care.
For more information on HIV/AIDS and what you can keep doing to meet the challenge visit Act Against AIDS .
Oct 11, 2012 | LGBT Health
October 11th, 2012 marks the 23rd anniversary of National Coming Out Day, observed annually to celebrate coming out and to raise awareness of the LGBT community and LGBT civil rights movement.
LGBT HEALTH DISPARITIES: In the past two decades LGBT, people have made incredible progress towards securing equal rights in marriage equality and in protections under law against discrimination. but LGBT persons continue to experience worse health outcomes than their heterosexual counterparts and research indicates that many LGBT persons are at higher risk for illness and disease, often due to avoiding or delaying screening and treatment for fear of anti-gay discrimination or stigma from health care providers.
PROGRESS: Recent progress is being made in turning LGBT health disparities into LGBT health equity as more policymakers and government agencies come out for LGBT health. At the federal level, the Health and Human Services Administration is addressing LGBT health needs and concerns. The Institute of Medicine released a groundbreaking, comprehensive report last year on LGBT health needs and recommendations and the Joint Commission of guidelines for LGBT health, the LGBT Field Guide, which will be used to enable healthcare institutions to incorporate standards, policies and practices for LGBT competent care.
WHAT WE AT CONTIUUM ARE DOING: Continuum Health Partners has come out for LGBT health through undertaking a groundbreaking initiative to enhance and improve health care delivery to LGBT patients and consumers. The first step in this process was to work with CHP’s Diversity Council LGBT Committees at Beth Israel Medical Center and at St. Lukes/Roosevelt to amend and create Continuum policies to insure that LGBT patients are treated fairly, without discrimination or prejudice and competently throughout the Continuum system; and to create access to education, tools and resources for improving services to LGBT patients for all our employees –administrators, providers, educators and staff. To date based on these efforts, Continuum has the distinction of being one of only two recipients in New York State of the Human Rights Campaign’s Health Equality Index 100% Rating Score, awarded to medical services institutions that can support their commitment to quality care for LGBT patients through implementation of policies and guidelines for LGBT competent care.
Continuum has broken new ground in the establishment of the first LGBT Health Services program within a comprehensive medical center in the country. Housed within Beth Israel Medical Center, LGBT Health Services is offering provider and staff training in LGBT health issues and topics; is engaged in outreach and health education to the LGBT organizations and communities of the greater NY metropolitan area; is participating in education and advocacy for LGBT health equity with local and national health policymakers, researchers and educators; and is working with LGBT patients and consumers who need information, referral and patient navigation services.
For more information on our services and activities please contact:
Barbara E. Warren, PsyD, Director, LGBT Health Services, Beth Israel Medical Center
Office: Phillips Ambulatory Care Center, 10 Union Square East, Suite 2K-03, NYC 10003
Phone: 212-844-6389 Cell: 917-971-0689 Bwarren@chpnet.org
