Connecting LGBTQ people with affirming health care providers can save lives, Jahmila Smith said.
Smith and Garden State Equality, an Asbury Park-based nonprofit where she serves as a trainer and project manager, have launched an interactive Health care map affirmation aims to make it easier for LGBTQ+ New Jerseyans to seek life-saving care.
“We all deserve quality health care and experiences with providers,” Smith said. “Healthcare is already scary enough, so I don’t think it should be a complex process” to find affirmation providers.
Now, about 140 providers across the state appear on the interactive map, ranging from therapists to optometrists.
How does the map work?
The Health Care Affirmation Map allows users to filter their provider search by choosing from a list of specialties and entering their address along with a radius. Providers can choose the placement on the map, or patients can name them.
It’s a one-stop shop to make finding a provider easier and more accessible for LGBTQ+ people, Smith said.
What makes an LGBTQ-affirming provider?
Providers who affirm LGBTQ+ identities “understand the complexities of being an LGBTQ person or the experiences we face,” Smith said. LGBTQ-friendly facilities don’t just include professionals like doctors and nurses, who interact more closely with patients, Smith said. They include everyone in a practice, from knowledgeable front desk staff who address people by their correct names and pronouns.
“It’s a multi-level, layered approach … making sure patients are met with knowledge and compassion right at the door,” Smith said.
Providers can sign up to place their practices on the Healthcare Affirmation Map by filling out a short form. Smith said the Garden State Equality team researches applicants and verifies that caregivers’ websites advertise that they offer LGBTQ-friendly services. Patients can also nominate and provide feedback about caregivers.
Several providers on the map underwent training by Garden State Equality staff. Smith and team are considering asking providers on their map to commit to the training, but they know the availability of caregivers can be challenging.
Smith noticed early in the design process a lack of LGBTQ+ cultural competency among providers, as well as little medical training provided that focuses on these communities. Smith said it’s essential to continually learn about cultural competency and LGBTQ-affirming care. Providers can learn more about Garden State Equality training on the map website.
Why now?
This is a critical time to support LGBTQ+ people, Smith said. A record 7.1% of US adults identify as LGBT last year and the report shows many people discovered new aspects of their identity during the pandemic. At the same time, access to specific gender-affirming care for transgender people has are attacked throughout the country.
While many people come to terms with their LGBTQ+ identity, access to mental health in particular “is a starting point for people to be able to feel comfortable and be free to express themselves,” Smith said.
What is expected next?
The map was put together after a five-year process that involved gathering data to identify New Jersey’s affirmative action providers. The process continues as the team reviews specific criteria to evaluate future providers seeking inclusion on the map, Smith said.
Smith wants to see more providers knowledgeable about care for transgender and nonbinary people, especially young patients, and places that offer gender-affirming surgeries featured on the map. She also hopes to expand listings for mental health services and providers that support LGBTQ+ adults.
“The more information out there, the more services we can promote on the site, the better, because we don’t know who it’s going to help.” said Smith.
Sammy Gibbons is a culture reporter for the USA TODAY Northeast Network. For unlimited access to the most important news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: sgibbons@gannett.com; Tweet: @sammykgibbons
