Label
Council Members Komives and Gadus
Previously O-653-22
Title
Authorizing the appropriation and expenditure of $50,000 from the General Fund for the Affirmative and Inclusive LGBTQ+ Health Care; authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Solace Health and Social Outreach; and declaring an emergency.
Body
SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
Whereas, Solace Health and Social Outreach is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to eliminating the barriers LGBTQ Toledoans face.
Whereas, there are an estimated 1.4 million adults who identify as transgender living in the United States, roughly 0.6% of the population. Despite an increase in the number of people who identify as transgender and non-binary, a 2018 Human Rights Campaign Foundation study found that 1 in 4 transgender people report having avoided medical care in the past year out of fear of being disrespected or mistreated (HRC). Furthermore, a 2015 national study found that 33% of transgender survey respondents who saw a health care provider in the last year reported one or more negative experiences related to being transgender, including being refused treatment, being harassed or assaulted, or receiving incompetent care.
Although few studies have been published on the quality of care provided for trans and non-binary persons, the studies that do exist agree that national barriers to care include few accessible providers who are trained in gender-affirming health care as well as inconsistent use of chosen name and pronouns. Conclusions from these studies suggest that training individual providers and their office staff to provide culturally competent care can help to decrease barriers and increase care. Dr. Ding and others write, "These efforts are vital, as they ensure the availability of a limited number of providers who are well prepared to treat trans and gender non-conforming (TGNC) patients in a culturally competent, affirming matter".
No studies or community needs assessment have been performed lo...
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