" open arms healthcare center: Mississippi's first lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex healthcare center. a novel and holistic approach to address lgbti health

Issue: Sexual minorities have a long standing history of bearing the greatest burden of HIV, AIDS, other STIs, obesity, poor mental health and substance abuse. In juxtaposition, sexual minorities and minority populations such as African Americans have limited access to high-quality, affordable, life-affirming, non-discriminatory healthcare; thus resulting in health inequities. Description: During 2011-2012, My Brother's Keeper, Inc. conducted a feasibility study to determine the healthcare needs of the LGBT community. As part of this study, a health assessment was disseminated to and completed by Jackson, MS Black Pride (November 2011 & 2012) attendees. Lessons Learned: The feasibility study revealed that 70% of the participants would access healthcare at an LGBT clinic. When asked what services and medical resources were needed, the top responses were OBGYN clinics (anal pap screenings), cancer awareness, annual exams for STIs and culturally competent healthcare providers who would be sensitive to their needs. To address this gap in healthcare in Mississippi, developed under the auspices of My Brother's Keeper, Inc in 2012, the Open Arms Healthcare Center, Mississippi's first clinic to focus on LGBT health opened the doors for its first clients on February 7, 2013, commemorating the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Recommendations: In order to address the healthcare need of the LGBT population, healthcare providers need annual educational seminars and trainings that focuses on the ever changing needs of the LGBT community. Also, healthcare centers need to make sure staff are culturally competent to deliver high quality, non-discriminatory healthcare to the LGBT community.