SC Wisconsin News

LGBTQ Health Awareness Week, taking place from March 17 to 21, aims to shed light on the specific challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in accessing health care. This period serves as an opportunity for health care professionals, activists, and organizations to promote inclusivity within health care environments.

Sam Markert, a Family Medicine Nurse Practitioner at Aspirus Health, underscores the significance of addressing these issues. "Awareness is key," says Markert. "This week is about acknowledging the diverse health care needs within the LGBTQ+ community and ensuring they are heard, seen, and cared for – that their voices matter. It’s a statement that we hear them, care about their health concerns, and stand by them."

The awareness week also seeks to educate the broader public on the unique health challenges and barriers encountered by LGBTQ+ individuals. These include higher risks of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, increased rates of certain cancers, substance use disorders, and mental health issues.

"Regular screening and access to preventive measures are essential in addressing these conditions and reducing HIV transmission rates within the LGBTQ+ community," Markert explains.

Despite these needs, stigma and discrimination remain significant obstacles in health care settings. Research shows that up to one-third of LGBTQ+ Americans avoid seeking medical care due to such barriers.

"We need to create environments of acceptance and understanding where LGBTQ+ individuals feel safe to seek the care they need," emphasizes Markert.

An important step toward inclusivity involves collecting patient information on sexual orientation and gender identity during intake processes. This approach helps providers offer more personalized care.

"Providing competent and compassionate care to the LGBTQ+ community doesn’t differ from offering patient-centered care to any other group," says Markert. "No matter how a patient identifies, the more information we have about them, the better we can tailor care to their specific needs."

For all individuals, regular visits with a primary care provider are recommended for preventing and managing health concerns. To find a local provider or assistance with navigating LGBTQ+-friendly services, resources like www.aspirus.org/find-a-provider or https://glma.org can be helpful.

Aspirus Health remains dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for employees, clinicians, and communities served. The organization believes in equal treatment regardless of identity factors such as race or sexual orientation. More information on Aspirus’ Social Responsibility Vision is available at https://www.aspirus.org/social-responsibility.