ACHE-SETC 3RD QUARTER NEWSLETTER | Page 14

ACHE LGBT FORUM The LGBT Forum is a new community within the ACHE National Association. This group was created to pursue the needed advancement for diversity and inclusion in Healthcare Leadership. It was part of the 2016 Strategic Plan of ACHE and will continue to mold into a significant part of ACHE?s mission. The group?s initiative was catalyzed by the endorsement from the Rainbow Healthcare Leaders Association?s former governing board. The forum recognizes the health disparities of the community and will strive to educate leaders to decrease those disparities and not hinder the LGBT community from seeking health care in their local community. Health Disparities Below are a few of the many health disparities that the LGBT community faces: - Health Discrimination ? 56%of LBG patient and 70%of transgender patients reported experiencing discrimination be healthcare providers - Disease Transmission and Progression ? Gay men are at a higher risk of HIV and other STDs (especially communities of color); lesbians are less likely to get preventative services for cancer; transgender individuals have a high prevalence or HIV/ STDs - Mental Health - LGBT youth are 2 to 3 times more likely to attempt suicide, especially transgender individuals - Social Isolation ? LGBT youth are more likely to become homeless and elderly LGBT individuals may lack the social inclusion from community services and from competent healthcare providers - Healthcare Protection ? lack of healthcare facility commitment to LGBT equality and inclusion (there are only 131 facilities in all of Texas) * Above information received from the Human Rights Campaign and Healthy People 2020 Campaign The Opportunity This is a brand new initiative that needs your help to grow, champion, and create the health equity landscape for LGBT communities across the nation. For more information on the LGBT Forum, contact Jake Casanova [email protected].