Addressing Barriers to Health Care for the LGBTQ+ Community

We need to create environments of acceptance and understanding where LGBTQ+ individuals feel safe to seek the care they need.”

AMHERST, Wis. – 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.