The NW Ohio LGBTQ+ Coalition is launching its Affirming Health Care Program, which seeks to make affirmative and inclusive healthcare more accessible to LGBTQ+ patients. Medical, mental health and social well-being providers interested in pursuing accreditation and gaining recognition as affirming care providers can now do so through the coalition.
A key element of the program centers on training providers who are willing to learn how to effectively and consistently provide affirming care, ensure a safe space for LGBTQ+ patients and adopt and implement relevant policies. Upon completion, providers will be designated as a recognized affirming care provider and listed in a resource guide. Patients can consult the guide to determine their best options when seeking medical care, mental health care, or social services.
Research shows that LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to experience discrimination and stigma when seeking healthcare. Patients report mistreatment, including harassment, abusive language, denial of treatment, unwanted physical contact and more. Consequently, patients often delay or avoid seeking healthcare, leading to more serious outcomes, including depression, substance abuse and suicide.
“We want to make certain that the practices we work with meet and maintain the standard of care specific to LGBTQ+ patients,” said Erin Marten, executive director of Solace Health and Wellness, and member of the NW Ohio LGBTQ+ Coalition. “Affirming care helps eliminate barriers and health outcome disparities that LGBTQ+ patients face in getting the care they need and deserve.”
The guides will be available at community LGBTQ+ safe spaces, including the Toledo Public Library, area businesses and agencies. Digital guides will be accessible on the websites of area agencies that support Toledo’s LGBTQ+ community, including the NW Ohio LGBTQ+ Coalition, Equality Toledo and Solace Health and Wellness.
“Speaking on behalf of our coalition members and our collaborating partners, it is truly uplifting knowing that for the first time, LGBTQ+ Toledoans will have access to equitable healthcare, and that they will be able to make informed decisions about their own health,” said Marten. “This alone is worth the time and energy devoted to making this vision a reality.”
