Addressing Barriers to Health Care for the LGBTQ+ Community
3/17/2025
Sam Markert, Aspirus Family Medicine Nurse Practitioner
LGBTQ Health
Awareness Week, observed from March 17 to 21, highlights the unique challenges
the LGBTQ+ community faces in accessing health care. It serves as a time for
health care professionals, activists, and organizations to raise awareness and
advocate for inclusivity in health care settings.
At Aspirus Health, Family
Medicine Nurse Practitioner Sam Markert emphasizes the importance of
addressing these challenges. “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.”
In addition to
raising awareness, the week provides an opportunity to educate the broader
community and foster understanding of the distinct health challenges and
barriers LGBTQ+ individuals face.
Health concerns in
this community range from an elevated risk of HIV and other sexually
transmitted infections to 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 the
importance of care, stigma and discrimination in health care settings remain
significant barriers. Research indicates that up
to one-third of LGBTQ+ Americans avoid seeking medical care due to these
challenges.
“We need to create
environments of acceptance and understanding where LGBTQ+ individuals feel safe
to seek the care they need,” Markert emphasizes.
One critical step
toward inclusivity is gathering patient information on sexual orientation and
gender identity during the intake process. This practice enables health care
providers to deliver more personalized and effective 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 everyone,
regular visits with a primary care provider remain the best way to prevent and
manage health concerns. To find a provider in your area, visit www.aspirus.org/find-a-provider.
For assistance navigating LGBTQ+-friendly care, visit https://glma.org
or https://lgbtqhealthcaredirectory.org/resources.
Aspirus Health is
committed to fostering an inclusive environment and culture for our employees,
clinicians, and the communities we serve. We believe everyone deserves equal
treatment, regardless of identity, race, ethnicity, gender, age, national
origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, education, or socioeconomic
status. To learn more about Aspirus’ Social Responsibility Vision, visit https://www.aspirus.org/social-responsibility.
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