 |
The goal of In CommUNITY is to improve health outcomes of the LGBTQ+ community in Miami-Dade County across the lifespan through structural interventions. |
Project Aims
Aim 1:
Use a community-engaged and informed research approach to assess the availability of resources, data, and policies that promote health among SGM; barriers experienced by sexual gender minorities (SGM) in health/healthcare; and gaps in data collected in Miami-Dade County.
Use a community-engaged and informed research approach to assess the availability of resources, data, and policies that promote health among SGM; barriers experienced by sexual gender minorities (SGM) in health/healthcare; and gaps in data collected in Miami-Dade County.
Aim 2:
The collection of SGM-specific longitudinal data using mixed methods through the implementation of the structural interventions.
The collection of SGM-specific longitudinal data using mixed methods through the implementation of the structural interventions.
Aim 3:
Development of a sustainable shared data system, including a data dashboard, that includes SGM demographic data across indicators.
Development of a sustainable shared data system, including a data dashboard, that includes SGM demographic data across indicators.
-
Study Structural Interventions As Aligned with The NIH Sexual &
Gender Minority Health Disparities Research Framework
Societal Factors:
- SGM-specific screening and care guidelines.
- Criminalization (e.g. transactional sex work)
- Public accommodation laws
- SGM-related data collection
- Gender-affirming therapies
- Nondiscrimination policies
- Hate crime laws & policies
- Insurance policies
Community Factors:
- Access to SGM-specific clinical & researcher training
- Availability of safe spaces & SGM-specific resources
- Visibility & acceptance of the SGM community
- Access to culturally competent care
- Historical & ongoing trauma
- Religious institutions
- Access to PrEP
Interpersonal Factors:
- Affirming patient-provider relationships
- Gender & Sexuality Alliances (GSA)
- DSD-related surgeries and care
- Violence and discrimination
- Coming out process
- Chosen families
- Social capital
Individual Factors:
- Insurance coverage & access
- Socioeconomic Status
- Intersecting identities
- DSD & intersex traits
- Coping mechanisms
- Self-acceptance
- Minority stress
- Resilience
Revised Logic Model
-
Structural Intervention Focus Areas
Advocating for Equitable LGBTQ+ Healthcare Access & Quality
Quality Care: Advocate for top-notch, culturally competent healthcare that addresses specific needs, from chronic diseases to mental health, without stigma or discrimination.Inclusive Healthcare Environments: Ensure access and linkage to healthcare spaces that are welcoming and affirming for every LGBTQ+ person, aiming to eliminate feelings of exclusion or judgment.Quality Care: Advocate for top-notch, culturally competent healthcare that addresses specific needs, from chronic diseases to mental health, without stigma or discrimination.Inclusive Healthcare Environments: Ensure access and linkage to healthcare spaces that are welcoming and affirming for every LGBTQ+ person, aiming to eliminate feelings of exclusion or judgment.Social and Community Context: Fostering LGBTQ+ Inclusivity and Connection
Creating Safe Havens: Establish supportive spaces and programs where LGBTQ+ individuals can find community, access culturally responsive services, and feel a deep sense of belonging.Fostering Thriving: Enhancing well-being across the lifespan through strengths-based social support to nurture community thriving and social connectednessEmpowerment Through Data
Understanding Our Needs: By gathering and analyzing data specific to the LGBTQ+ community, we aim to paint a clearer picture of our needs and experiences.Driving Positive Change: This crucial data informs actions and policies to better serve our community, ensuring resources are directed where they're most needed.
Phase 1 - Data Collection
-
-
Activities
- Utilize the HRC Health Equality Index Leverage Survey data and the Human Rights Campaign's Health Equality Index for institutions and municipalities as a framework to identify gaps and strengths in existing policies and practices.
- Assess Healthcare Policies SI#1 Healthcare Access and Quality: Measure healthcare institution policies related to the LGBTQ+ community, focusing on accessibility, inclusivity, and non-discrimination measures.
- Evaluate Municipal Ordinances SI# 2 Social and Community Context: Examine municipal ordinances and regulations that impact the LGBTQ+ community's access to services, and ensure intergenerational thriving such as housing, social vulnerability, and public accommodations.
Outcomes- Stakeholder Engagement Consult with LGBTQ+ community members, advocacy groups, healthcare providers, and local officials to gather insights and perspectives on policy gaps and needs.
- Identify Policy Gaps and Strengths Analyze the collected data and stakeholder feedback to pinpoint areas where policies need improvement or reinforcement to promote health equity for the LGBTQ+ community.
- Inform Advocacy and Policy Development Utilize the findings from the policy scan to inform advocacy efforts and develop recommendations for new or revised policies that address identified gaps and promote inclusivity and equity.
- Populate Data Dashboard and Online Maps Data Analysis outcomes may populate the Health Equity Data Dashboard and online mapping tools to further monitor progress of the Structural Interventions.
-
