The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #62384

Shailey Merchant, MPH, Women's Program, Howard Brown Health Center, 4025 North Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL 60613, 773 388-8926, shaileym@howardbrown.org

Lesbian and bisexual (LB) women due to their minority status, their gender, discrimination, homophobia and lack of education around many health issues maybe at an increased risk for many health diseases and conditions. Due to the limited research on this population, little is known about the prevalence of mental and physical illness among these women. Lack of culturally competent services and other complexities present within this population are also likely to hinder LB women in leading healthy lives. Stressors such as an unhealthy school/work environment where they may face cognitive, social and emotional isolation, lack of support from families and employers, mistrust of the health care system, as well as fear of “coming out” can be barriers to seeking healthcare and preventative services. Methods of effectively addressing the needs of LB women must encompass an understanding of the heterogeneity of behaviors, stressors, and needs present within this very diverse group of women at various stages in their lives.

This paper will present the experiences of Chicago’s Gay, Lesbian Health Center, Howard Brown Health Center in serving this community of women. The health concerns of the Lesbian/Bisexual women as identified through various citywide needs assessments and program planning and evaluations will be presented. Current programming and its effectiveness, outreach efforts, and prevention education will be discussed to impart on the enormity of the barriers faced by both the community as well as the organization in serving Lesbian/Bisexual women throughout this large urban city.

Learning Objectives:

• To assess the health care needs of Lesbian, Bisexual Women.
• To identify the barriers faced by the LGBT community, health care workers, and by organizations in providing services for this woman’s community.
• To recognize that Lesbian/Bisexual women are at high-risk for diseases and are in need of prevention and education messages which address their unique needs and practices.

Keywords: Women's Health, Lesbian Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Howard Brown Health Center (Chicago LGBT Health Center)
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment