Addressing the Unique Health Care Needs of the LGBTQ+ Community
3/18/2024
Sam Markert, Aspirus Family Medicine Nurse Practitioner
LGBTQ
Health Awareness Week serves as a poignant reminder of the unique challenges
encountered by the LGBTQ+ community in accessing health care. From March 18 to
22, health care professionals, activists, and organizations come together to
raise awareness and advocate for inclusivity. At Aspirus Health, Family
Medicine Nurse Practitioner Sam Markert emphasizes the importance of
recognizing and addressing these challenges, stating, “Awareness is key.”
“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,"
Markert affirms. "It's a statement to let them know that we hear them, care
about their health concerns, and stand by them."
Furthermore, it
presents an opportunity to educate the broader community, fostering
understanding and sensitivity toward the distinctive health concerns and
barriers faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.
Health challenges
for this community can range from heightened vulnerability to HIV and other
sexually transmitted infections to increased risks of certain cancers,
substance abuse, and mental health issues.
"Regular
screening and access to preventive measures are essential in our efforts to
treat these conditions and combat HIV transmission within the LGBTQ+
community,” says Markert.
However, stigma and
discrimination often loom large in health care settings, presenting significant
barriers to LGBTQ+ individuals seeking care. As a result, up
to one third of LGBTQ+ Americans avoid seeing a health care provider.
"We need to
create environments of acceptance and understanding where LGBTQ+ individuals
feel safe to seek the care they need,” stresses Markert.
One key aspect is
ensuring inclusivity during the intake process, which entails asking the
patient about sexual orientation and gender identity, allowing health care
providers to deliver more personalized and effective care.
“Providing competent
and compassionate care to the LGBTQ+ community really doesn't differ from
offering patient-centered care to any other health care group,” reassures
Markert. “No matter how a patient identifies, the more information we have
about them, the better we tailor care to their specific needs.”
The best way for
anyone to prevent and treat their health concerns is to have regular visits
with a primary care provider. To find one in your area, visit www.aspirus.org/find-a-provider.
For guidance in selecting and navigating LGBTQ+-friendly care, visit https://glma.org/ or https://lgbtqhealthcaredirectory.org/resources.
Aspirus Health aims
to provide an inclusive environment and culture for all of our employees,
clinicians and people we serve. We believe everyone has the right to be treated
as equals regardless of any differences in identity, race, ethnicity, gender,
age, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, education, or
socioeconomic status. For more information about Aspirus’ commitment to our
Social Responsibility Vision, visit https://www.aspirus.org/social-responsibility.
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