This panel presents 2 models for the development, implementation and evaluation of training programs to inform health care, mental health and human service agencies of issues that GLBT people face in accessing services. Both models were developed and implemented by community-based programs with experience in service provision to GLBT populations (Fenway Community Health in Boston) and to lesbians with cancer (Mautner Project for Lesbians with Cancer in Washington, DC). Paired presentations will review: (1) collaboration between state and community agencies in Massachusetts that led to development of “Community Standards of Practice for Provision of Quality Health Care Services for GLBT Clients”; (2) the development of training partnerships between the Mautner Project and community- and state-based service programs in five states; (3) assessment of agency readiness to serve GLBT populations and identification of training needs; (4) training curricula used in the two models; and (5) evaluation methods and outcomes, including system change and participant pre- and post- training data. The Discussion will include a review of: (1) barriers encountered and attempts to surmount them during program planning and implementation, (2) predictable data collection challenges of community-based training approaches, (3) political implications of these projects, and (4) lessons learned. Although needs assessment results indicated a strong need for these programs and reported interest in participation, actual program implementation was more difficult than anticipated. Nevertheless, in every training program that was successfully implemented, evaluation outcomes indicated that a majority of participants had gained from the experience.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session the participant in this session will be able to:
Keywords: Access to Care, Gay
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Fenway Community Health, Boston, MA; The Mautner Project for Lesbians With Cancer, Washington, DC
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.