Marlene Moranino
Director of Clinical Programs

Last Wednesday, April 25^th, the Community Health Center Association of CT (CHCACT), in collaboration with the Fenway Institute, hosted a learning afternoon focused on behavioral health care for LBGTQ+ individuals. Over fifty health center employees attended from 13 health centers across the state, including providers, medical case managers, community health workers and administrators. Dr. Alex Keuroghlian, MD, MPH from The Fenway Institute presented a video, LGBTQ Voices, that contained interviews with patients at the Fenway Institute, sharing their perspectives on health care. They shared their experiences showing how LGBTQ+ people sometimes remain invisible to their providers and how important it was to them the organization provides a welcoming, inclusive environment of care. The “Do ask, Do tell” approach to collecting data on sexual orientation and gender identity in health centers was presented, with strategies on how this information can be collected in an appropriate, positive, and empathetic way. It was shared that just asking patients how they would like to be referred to is the first step in overcoming stigma and barriers many LGBTQ+ people routinely face. Dr. Keuroghlian went on to present foundational LGBTQ+ terminology and opportunities to achieve health equity and care for LGBTQ+ people within the health care center. There was a discussion on effective communication and ways to support this community in our own health care environment.

Identifying and addressing major behavioral health disparities and issues among LGBTQ+ was presented and discussed. Dr Keuroghlian shared that the actual attempted suicide rate in LGBTQ+ adults is 11-20% and in transgender adults is 41%, compared to 4% in the general population. In addition, there are significantly higher rates of sexual assault, violence, bullying, depression and anxiety, in addition to higher substance use disorder among LGBTQ+ people. Lastly Dr. Keuroghlian presented a case study of patient M, who had significant behavioral health manifestations contributing to delusions, depression and paranoia along with gender identity issues.  He discussed the diagnosis and treatment of this particular case with a final update on current progression.

CHCACT was pleased to offer this training in collaboration with the National LGBT Health Education Center, a part of The Fenway Institute. The Fenway Institute is the research, training, and health policy division of Fenway Health, a Federally Qualified Health Center, and one of the world’s largest LGBT-focused health centers located in Boston, MA. They provide educational programs, resources, and consultation to health care organizations with the goal of optimizing quality, cost-effective health care for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. Below are some photos from the event.

Have a great week!

Marlene.