Edgewater Health begins "Let's Talk" virtual series on LGBTQ2IA+ community
Contributed By:The 411 News
February 1st: Navigating the health care system for transgender and identifying individuals
“Cultivating an environment that provides trusted spaces for patients, clients, staff, and the community at large is the goal of Edgewater,” said LaTanya Woodson, Director of Community Health Education at Edgewater Health, as the primary and behavioral healthcare provider expands its reach in the LGBTQ2IA+ community.
In February, Edgewater Health will launch a series of events to educate the community about the stigma and discrimination facing the LGBTQ2IA+ community.
The first event of the series is “Let’s Talk,” a virtual discussion on Thursday, February 1st, from noon to 1:30 p.m. (CST), that addresses the barriers of navigating through the health care system for transgender and identifying individuals.
“Unfortunately, the LGBTQ2IA+ population experiences worse health outcomes than heterosexual counterparts due to lack of access and culturally competent care,” said Dr. Danita Johnson, President and CEO of Edgewater Health. “And they face gender discrimination and multiple health problems with limited options.”
Edgewater Health received a grant from The I-HOPE initiative on behalf of Purdue University’s Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering, Woodson said.
The funding provided an opportunity to address health-related disparities in mental health, as well as advance health equity among populations historically underserved in Lake County. Addressing stigma, safety, and barriers of care for the LGBTQ2IA+ community has been one of Edgewater’s focuses.
In February 2023, the clinical and non-clinical staff at Edgewater received competency of care training for the LGBTQ2IA+ community from Mosaic Health and Healing Arts, located in Goshen, Indiana.
“We will continue to train our staff and take the lead in cultural competency of care that addresses barriers of health care for everyone,” said Dr. Johnson
To register for the virtual session, email LaTonya Woodson at lwoodson@edgewaterhealth.org to receive a link.
Story Posted:01/30/2024
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