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Jun 17, 2024
Celebrating Pride Month
Ensuring Equitable Care for the LGBTQ+ Community with CirrusMD
Dr. Juanita Redfield
Family Medicine Physician
June is Pride Month, and the team of physicians at CirrusMD recognizes this important time to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community. In healthcare, creating an inclusive and supportive environment is vital, beginning with cultural competency and sensitivity. As providers, we recognize the need to understand LGBTQ+ health issues, unique needs, health disparities, and social determinants that impact this community. Respecting and affirming diverse gender identities and sexual orientations is essential.
We prioritize using inclusive language and avoiding assumptions about gender and sexual orientation. On our platform, patients can select their preferred pronouns to feel immediately comfortable. Our physician network engages in ongoing training to enhance understanding of LGBTQ+ health issues, terminology, and best practices, allowing us to provide better care to LGBTQ+ patients and their families.
We recognize that LGBTQ+ individuals have unique healthcare needs, including sexual health, mental health, and gender-affirming care. Our goal is to be knowledgeable about these needs, offer appropriate services, and make necessary referrals to create a truly inclusive and supportive environment.
Health-related challenges that can impact the LGBTQ+ community
Like racial and ethnic minorities, the LGBTQ+ community faces unique healthcare disparities. Discrimination, bias, and disparities in care are common, leading to higher rates of mental health issues, substance abuse, and sexually transmitted infections among LGBTQ+ individuals. Stigma and discrimination contribute to these disparities, often causing delays in care as individuals may fear discrimination and avoid disclosing their sexual orientation or gender identity. This can result in delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment, and poorer health outcomes.
Addressing these disparities requires a commitment to inclusive and culturally competent care, provider education, and increased access to LGBTQ+ healthcare services.
Virtual Care in Caring for LBGTQ+ Individuals
Virtual care can significantly enhance neutrality in healthcare. It bridges geographical barriers, providing equal access to services, especially beneficial for marginalized communities or individuals in remote areas. Virtual platforms can reduce bias by focusing on the individual’s medical history, symptoms, and needs, rather than physical appearances and non-verbal cues.
Patients often tell us they feel more comfortable discussing certain concerns through CirrusMD’s chat-based encounters. This anonymity is particularly important for LGBTQ+ individuals or those with stigmatized health conditions, allowing them to discuss personal matters without fear of judgment or disclosure.
Dr. Juanita Redfield and the CirrusMD team are committed to ensuring equitable and effective care for the LGBTQ+ community, not just during Pride Month, but year-round.