US Department of Health & Human Services Makes Recommendations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Krishna Stone | 212.367.1016

Washington, DC -- Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released recommendations for actions to improve the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Americans. The recommendations are in response to the Presidential Memorandum on Hospital Visitation, which allows patients to designate visitors regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, in effect since January 18, 2011. The Memorandum also directed the Secretary of HHS to explore additional steps for HHS to improve the well-being of LGBT people.

The unprecedented recommendations include improvements to data collection of LGBT people, development and implementation of culturally competent services, and expansion of health services coverage to LGBT couples and families. Of particular focus are highly vulnerable populations, including LGBT youth in foster and adoptive care, homeless and runaway LGBT youth, and LGBT older adults.

"We applaud HHS and Secretary Sebelius for addressing the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans," said Janet Weinberg, Chief Operating Officer of Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC). "Our communities have been neglected and ignored for far too long, resulting in a number of health disparities, including the disproportionate impact of HIV on gay and bisexual men. We welcome the commitment of federal agencies working in tandem to prioritize and improve the lives of LGBT people."

The HHS recommendations follow the March 31, 2011 release of the Institute of Medicine's report investigating the specific health needs of LGBT people, titled The Health of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) People: Building a Foundation for Better Understanding. It is the largest and most comprehensive report commissioned by the federal government.  See GMHC's statement on the IOM report here.

***

GMHC is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the fight against AIDS.  We provide prevention and care services to men, women and families that are living with, or affected by, HIV/AIDS in New York City.  We advocate for scientific, evidence-based public health solutions for hundreds of thousands worldwide.