The Healthy People documents are designed to be roadmaps for improving the health of all people in the U.S. The latest document, Healthy People 2010 (HP 2010), issued in November 2000, began several years before with an alliance of more than 350 national organizations and 250 State public health and behavioral health groups. Public input was solicited and more than 11,000 comments were received. The final document contains 467 objectives to improve health, organized into 28 focus areas. There are two overarching goals: (1) increase quality and years of healthy life, and (2) eliminate health disparities. Despite the enormity of information, the health needs of LGBT people were largely not addressed within this important policy document. Sexual orientation was mentioned and appeared in 29 data templates. There was no acknowledgement of gender identity or transgender individuals. To redress the situation, the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association received funding from the Federal government's Health Resources and Services Administration to produce a companion document that would adequately and accurately identify and discuss the LGBT population and its health care needs and resources. The HP2010 Companion document contains 110 objectives in 13 focus areas. The production, writing and distribution of this Companion document is testimony to the key role of resilient community partnerships, especially within LGBT communities. See www.glma.org
Learning Objectives: 1) To learn about the Healthy People 2010 (HP2010) process; 2) To explain the reasons why a Companion HP2010 document was needed for LGBT people; and 3) To describe the contents of the HP2010 Companion Document for LGBT people.
Keywords: Federal Policy, Healthy People 2000/2010
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Federal agencies; LGBT community clinics and health centers; professional organizations such as APA, GLSEN, GLMA and the National Coalition for LGBT health
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employed by the Federal government