MORGANTOWN, WV (Nov. 17, 2021) — Visiting a health care provider can be nerve-wracking for anyone, but members of the LGBTQ+ community often face additional challenges, noted Brad Grimes, program director at the LGBTQ+ Center at West Virginia University.
“Many LGBTQ+ people report having negative interactions with providers when seeking care, such as being refused care or being blamed for one’s health status,” he said.
He has heard stories such as health-care providers sometimes refusing to touch patients or using excessive precautions. These patients sometimes hear harsh or abusive language or are treated physically roughly or abusively.
And sometimes the providers are simply not up-to-date on important facets of LGBTQ care.
In an effort to provide updated, inclusive care, Monongalia County Health Department’s public health nurses teamed up with Grimes to undergo LGBTQ+ Safe Zone training.