The HRSA Women’s Health USA 2011, the 10th edition of an annual data book identifying priorities, trends, and disparities in women’s health, is now available. The 2011 edition highlights several new topics, including secondhand tobacco smoke exposure, Alzheimer’s disease, preconception health, unintended pregnancy, oral health care utilization, and barriers to health care. For the first time, the special population section of the report features data on the health of lesbian and bisexual women, as well as Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander women. Data on American Indian and Alaska Native women are also featured.
Press Release: http://www.hrsa.gov/about/news/pressreleases/111031womenshealth.html
Reposted at http://www.keystothecloset.blogspot.com
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Para Ayudar -Latino Commission on Aids Resouces
The Para Ayudar (Spanish for “to help”) program, of the Latino Commission on AIDS, offers free and confidential services in Spanish and English, focused on health issues (alcohol, tobacco, substance use, and sexual behavior) affecting Latino immigrant, men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender women (TGW), and men who have sex with transgender women (MSTGW).
Program services consist of outreach, case management, and counseling, working together to provide the best assistance possible to individuals who are seeking help.
https://www.facebook.com/para.ayudar
https://twitter.com/para_ayudar
http://www.flickr.com/photos/para_ayudar/
http://www.youtube.com/user/ParaAyudar
https://foursquare.com/para_ayudar
http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/ParaAyudar/
Reposted at http://www.keystothecloset.blogspot.com
Program services consist of outreach, case management, and counseling, working together to provide the best assistance possible to individuals who are seeking help.
https://www.facebook.com/para.ayudar
https://twitter.com/para_ayudar
http://www.flickr.com/photos/para_ayudar/
http://www.youtube.com/user/ParaAyudar
https://foursquare.com/para_ayudar
http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/ParaAyudar/
Reposted at http://www.keystothecloset.blogspot.com
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Genny Awards Announce Accomplishments for 20111
The Genny Awards
What a remarkable year 2011 was for LGBT aging!
The Gennys* honor those stories that impacted LGBT older people the most,
and the advocates and elders who made these breakthroughs possible.
Counting down to number one, the 2011 Gennys are awarded
to the following stories that advanced the cause of LGBT aging:
10. HUD holds LGBT elder Housing Summit
This year marked the first time that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) publically acknowledged the unique housing needs of LGBT elders though a gathering of developers, government agencies and advocates. http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=35184
9. National Resource Center on LGBT Aging receives nearly 100 requests for cultural competency training
The National Resource Center on LGBT Aging saw requests from organizations and agencies in 32 states around the country that wish to use its new curriculum to become more sensitive to the needs of LGBT older people. http://www.lgbtagingcenter.org/about/training.cfm
8. California becomes first state to require LGBT history in public schools
In July, California Governor Jerry Brown signed a law requiring that public schools include the historic contributions of LGBT individuals in social studies curriculum. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/14/california-gay-history-law-jerry-brown_n_898745.html
7. Aging professionals convene to address the needs of aging LGBT people of color
Leaders in the field came together in the nation's capital to begin building a network of professionals serving POC LGBT older people. The historic gathering was called a declaration to transform aging health care for people of color who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. http://griotcircle.wordpress.com/2011/10/13/national-poc-lgbt-convening-day-one/
6. Record dollars go to community LGBT health and aging Initiatives
The acknowledgement of LGBT elders by their own communities grew substantially in 2011 with the awards of local grants to create more services. These included an historic $248,000 grant to the Fenway Institute in Boston, MA. to create a National Training and Technical Assistance Center to help communities improve the health of LGBT populations, including elders.
5. First LGBT senior center in the United States is announced.
Opening of the first full-time center dedicated to serving LGBT older people is scheduled for January, 2012. It will be based in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood but offers a "comprehensive array of services and support" to LGBT elders throughout New York City. http://www.sageusa.org/about/news_item.cfm?news=302
4. First federally funded national study on the health of LGBT older people.
Working with agencies around the country, the University of Washington study revealed staggering rates of disability, depression and loneliness compared to heterosexuals of similar ages. The statistics have been a part of congressional testimony, and will likely be the supporting evidence for a wave of grant proposals to help LGBT elders. http://caringandaging.org/
3. Medicare begins enforcing visitation rights for same-sex couples.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has directed all hospitals that receive Medicare and Medicaid dollars to support a patient's right to choose his/her/zirs own visitors during a hospital stay. Hospitals must also recognize advance directives designating a same-sex partner as someone who can make emergency medical decisions. Hospitals that don't adequately address these rights risk losing all Medicare dollars. In a single policy change, hundreds of thousands of older Americans can now contemplate a hospital stay without fear of being separated from those they love.
http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2011pres/09/20110907a.html
2. HHS moves to protect same-sex couples from poverty and homelessness resulting from long-term care
In April, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that states can provide same-sex domestic partners of long-term care Medicaid beneficiaries the same protections as opposite-sex spouses. This includes not taking away the couples home if a survivor still lives there. The directive (if followed by states) provides America's LGBT older people with a safety net they never have had against homelessness and poverty that can result from caring for a loved one. http://www.nsclc.org/index.php/issue-brief-cms-issues-guidance-on-medicaid-rules-for-same-sex-partners/
1. Justice Department Declines to Defend
the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)
The Obama administration announced in February that the Justice Department would no longer defend DOMA in court. DOMA has blocked access to critically needed federal benefits for elderly same-sex couples, even in states where marriage and/or domestic partnerships are available. The decision brings thousands of LGBT couples closer to eventually receiving Social Security survivor benefits, VA spousal benefits and protections against impoverishment.
The American Society on Aging has recommended that aging LGBT couples begin applying for such benefits. While denial is likely in the short term, retroactive payments to those who are denied are a possibility once DOMA is repealed. http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2011/02/president-obama-instructs-justice-department-to-stop-defending-defense-of-marriage-act-calls-clinton/
The Genny Awards recognize those moments that move LGBT older people away from fear and towards respect and admiration.
*The Gennys are named in honor of the film, "Gen Silent": the documentary that sheds light on the epidemic of LGBT older people going back into the closet in order to survive insensitivity or discrimination in care. Gen Silent also profiles those people fighting to keep elders from being silenced. For more info: http://gensilent.com/
The Genny Awards
What a remarkable year 2011 was for LGBT aging!
The Gennys* honor those stories that impacted LGBT older people the most,
and the advocates and elders who made these breakthroughs possible.
Counting down to number one, the 2011 Gennys are awarded
to the following stories that advanced the cause of LGBT aging:
10. HUD holds LGBT elder Housing Summit
This year marked the first time that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) publically acknowledged the unique housing needs of LGBT elders though a gathering of developers, government agencies and advocates. http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=35184
9. National Resource Center on LGBT Aging receives nearly 100 requests for cultural competency training
The National Resource Center on LGBT Aging saw requests from organizations and agencies in 32 states around the country that wish to use its new curriculum to become more sensitive to the needs of LGBT older people. http://www.lgbtagingcenter.org/about/training.cfm
8. California becomes first state to require LGBT history in public schools
In July, California Governor Jerry Brown signed a law requiring that public schools include the historic contributions of LGBT individuals in social studies curriculum. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/14/california-gay-history-law-jerry-brown_n_898745.html
7. Aging professionals convene to address the needs of aging LGBT people of color
Leaders in the field came together in the nation's capital to begin building a network of professionals serving POC LGBT older people. The historic gathering was called a declaration to transform aging health care for people of color who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. http://griotcircle.wordpress.com/2011/10/13/national-poc-lgbt-convening-day-one/
6. Record dollars go to community LGBT health and aging Initiatives
The acknowledgement of LGBT elders by their own communities grew substantially in 2011 with the awards of local grants to create more services. These included an historic $248,000 grant to the Fenway Institute in Boston, MA. to create a National Training and Technical Assistance Center to help communities improve the health of LGBT populations, including elders.
5. First LGBT senior center in the United States is announced.
Opening of the first full-time center dedicated to serving LGBT older people is scheduled for January, 2012. It will be based in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood but offers a "comprehensive array of services and support" to LGBT elders throughout New York City. http://www.sageusa.org/about/news_item.cfm?news=302
4. First federally funded national study on the health of LGBT older people.
Working with agencies around the country, the University of Washington study revealed staggering rates of disability, depression and loneliness compared to heterosexuals of similar ages. The statistics have been a part of congressional testimony, and will likely be the supporting evidence for a wave of grant proposals to help LGBT elders. http://caringandaging.org/
3. Medicare begins enforcing visitation rights for same-sex couples.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has directed all hospitals that receive Medicare and Medicaid dollars to support a patient's right to choose his/her/zirs own visitors during a hospital stay. Hospitals must also recognize advance directives designating a same-sex partner as someone who can make emergency medical decisions. Hospitals that don't adequately address these rights risk losing all Medicare dollars. In a single policy change, hundreds of thousands of older Americans can now contemplate a hospital stay without fear of being separated from those they love.
http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2011pres/09/20110907a.html
2. HHS moves to protect same-sex couples from poverty and homelessness resulting from long-term care
In April, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that states can provide same-sex domestic partners of long-term care Medicaid beneficiaries the same protections as opposite-sex spouses. This includes not taking away the couples home if a survivor still lives there. The directive (if followed by states) provides America's LGBT older people with a safety net they never have had against homelessness and poverty that can result from caring for a loved one. http://www.nsclc.org/index.php/issue-brief-cms-issues-guidance-on-medicaid-rules-for-same-sex-partners/
1. Justice Department Declines to Defend
the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)
The Obama administration announced in February that the Justice Department would no longer defend DOMA in court. DOMA has blocked access to critically needed federal benefits for elderly same-sex couples, even in states where marriage and/or domestic partnerships are available. The decision brings thousands of LGBT couples closer to eventually receiving Social Security survivor benefits, VA spousal benefits and protections against impoverishment.
The American Society on Aging has recommended that aging LGBT couples begin applying for such benefits. While denial is likely in the short term, retroactive payments to those who are denied are a possibility once DOMA is repealed. http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2011/02/president-obama-instructs-justice-department-to-stop-defending-defense-of-marriage-act-calls-clinton/
The Genny Awards recognize those moments that move LGBT older people away from fear and towards respect and admiration.
*The Gennys are named in honor of the film, "Gen Silent": the documentary that sheds light on the epidemic of LGBT older people going back into the closet in order to survive insensitivity or discrimination in care. Gen Silent also profiles those people fighting to keep elders from being silenced. For more info: http://gensilent.com/
Counting down to number one, the 2011 Gennys are awarded
to the following stories that advanced the cause of LGBT aging:
10. HUD holds LGBT elder Housing Summit
This year marked the first time that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) publically acknowledged the unique housing needs of LGBT elders though a gathering of developers, government agencies and advocates. http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=35184
9. National Resource Center on LGBT Aging receives nearly 100 requests for cultural competency training
The National Resource Center on LGBT Aging saw requests from organizations and agencies in 32 states around the country that wish to use its new curriculum to become more sensitive to the needs of LGBT older people. http://www.lgbtagingcenter.org/about/training.cfm
8. California becomes first state to require LGBT history in public schools
In July, California Governor Jerry Brown signed a law requiring that public schools include the historic contributions of LGBT individuals in social studies curriculum. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/14/california-gay-history-law-jerry-brown_n_898745.html
7. Aging professionals convene to address the needs of aging LGBT people of color
Leaders in the field came together in the nation's capital to begin building a network of professionals serving POC LGBT older people. The historic gathering was called a declaration to transform aging health care for people of color who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. http://griotcircle.wordpress.com/2011/10/13/national-poc-lgbt-convening-day-one/
6. Record dollars go to community LGBT health and aging Initiatives
The acknowledgement of LGBT elders by their own communities grew substantially in 2011 with the awards of local grants to create more services. These included an historic $248,000 grant to the Fenway Institute in Boston, MA. to create a National Training and Technical Assistance Center to help communities improve the health of LGBT populations, including elders.
5. First LGBT senior center in the United States is announced.
Opening of the first full-time center dedicated to serving LGBT older people is scheduled for January, 2012. It will be based in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood but offers a "comprehensive array of services and support" to LGBT elders throughout New York City. http://www.sageusa.org/about/news_item.cfm?news=302
4. First federally funded national study on the health of LGBT older people.
Working with agencies around the country, the University of Washington study revealed staggering rates of disability, depression and loneliness compared to heterosexuals of similar ages. The statistics have been a part of congressional testimony, and will likely be the supporting evidence for a wave of grant proposals to help LGBT elders. http://caringandaging.org/
3. Medicare begins enforcing visitation rights for same-sex couples.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has directed all hospitals that receive Medicare and Medicaid dollars to support a patient's right to choose his/her/zirs own visitors during a hospital stay. Hospitals must also recognize advance directives designating a same-sex partner as someone who can make emergency medical decisions. Hospitals that don't adequately address these rights risk losing all Medicare dollars. In a single policy change, hundreds of thousands of older Americans can now contemplate a hospital stay without fear of being separated from those they love.
http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2011pres/09/20110907a.html
2. HHS moves to protect same-sex couples from poverty and homelessness resulting from long-term care
In April, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that states can provide same-sex domestic partners of long-term care Medicaid beneficiaries the same protections as opposite-sex spouses. This includes not taking away the couples home if a survivor still lives there. The directive (if followed by states) provides America's LGBT older people with a safety net they never have had against homelessness and poverty that can result from caring for a loved one. http://www.nsclc.org/index.php/issue-brief-cms-issues-guidance-on-medicaid-rules-for-same-sex-partners/
1. Justice Department Declines to Defend
the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)
The Obama administration announced in February that the Justice Department would no longer defend DOMA in court. DOMA has blocked access to critically needed federal benefits for elderly same-sex couples, even in states where marriage and/or domestic partnerships are available. The decision brings thousands of LGBT couples closer to eventually receiving Social Security survivor benefits, VA spousal benefits and protections against impoverishment.
The American Society on Aging has recommended that aging LGBT couples begin applying for such benefits. While denial is likely in the short term, retroactive payments to those who are denied are a possibility once DOMA is repealed. http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2011/02/president-obama-instructs-justice-department-to-stop-defending-defense-of-marriage-act-calls-clinton/
The Genny Awards recognize those moments that move LGBT older people away from fear and towards respect and admiration.
*The Gennys are named in honor of the film, "Gen Silent": the documentary that sheds light on the epidemic of LGBT older people going back into the closet in order to survive insensitivity or discrimination in care. Gen Silent also profiles those people fighting to keep elders from being silenced. For more info: http://gensilent.com/
Reposted at http://www.keystothecloset.blogspot.com
What a remarkable year 2011 was for LGBT aging!
The Gennys* honor those stories that impacted LGBT older people the most,
and the advocates and elders who made these breakthroughs possible.
Counting down to number one, the 2011 Gennys are awarded
to the following stories that advanced the cause of LGBT aging:
10. HUD holds LGBT elder Housing Summit
This year marked the first time that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) publically acknowledged the unique housing needs of LGBT elders though a gathering of developers, government agencies and advocates. http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=35184
9. National Resource Center on LGBT Aging receives nearly 100 requests for cultural competency training
The National Resource Center on LGBT Aging saw requests from organizations and agencies in 32 states around the country that wish to use its new curriculum to become more sensitive to the needs of LGBT older people. http://www.lgbtagingcenter.org/about/training.cfm
8. California becomes first state to require LGBT history in public schools
In July, California Governor Jerry Brown signed a law requiring that public schools include the historic contributions of LGBT individuals in social studies curriculum. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/14/california-gay-history-law-jerry-brown_n_898745.html
7. Aging professionals convene to address the needs of aging LGBT people of color
Leaders in the field came together in the nation's capital to begin building a network of professionals serving POC LGBT older people. The historic gathering was called a declaration to transform aging health care for people of color who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. http://griotcircle.wordpress.com/2011/10/13/national-poc-lgbt-convening-day-one/
6. Record dollars go to community LGBT health and aging Initiatives
The acknowledgement of LGBT elders by their own communities grew substantially in 2011 with the awards of local grants to create more services. These included an historic $248,000 grant to the Fenway Institute in Boston, MA. to create a National Training and Technical Assistance Center to help communities improve the health of LGBT populations, including elders.
5. First LGBT senior center in the United States is announced.
Opening of the first full-time center dedicated to serving LGBT older people is scheduled for January, 2012. It will be based in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood but offers a "comprehensive array of services and support" to LGBT elders throughout New York City. http://www.sageusa.org/about/news_item.cfm?news=302
4. First federally funded national study on the health of LGBT older people.
Working with agencies around the country, the University of Washington study revealed staggering rates of disability, depression and loneliness compared to heterosexuals of similar ages. The statistics have been a part of congressional testimony, and will likely be the supporting evidence for a wave of grant proposals to help LGBT elders. http://caringandaging.org/
3. Medicare begins enforcing visitation rights for same-sex couples.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has directed all hospitals that receive Medicare and Medicaid dollars to support a patient's right to choose his/her/zirs own visitors during a hospital stay. Hospitals must also recognize advance directives designating a same-sex partner as someone who can make emergency medical decisions. Hospitals that don't adequately address these rights risk losing all Medicare dollars. In a single policy change, hundreds of thousands of older Americans can now contemplate a hospital stay without fear of being separated from those they love.
http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2011pres/09/20110907a.html
2. HHS moves to protect same-sex couples from poverty and homelessness resulting from long-term care
In April, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that states can provide same-sex domestic partners of long-term care Medicaid beneficiaries the same protections as opposite-sex spouses. This includes not taking away the couples home if a survivor still lives there. The directive (if followed by states) provides America's LGBT older people with a safety net they never have had against homelessness and poverty that can result from caring for a loved one. http://www.nsclc.org/index.php/issue-brief-cms-issues-guidance-on-medicaid-rules-for-same-sex-partners/
1. Justice Department Declines to Defend
the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)
The Obama administration announced in February that the Justice Department would no longer defend DOMA in court. DOMA has blocked access to critically needed federal benefits for elderly same-sex couples, even in states where marriage and/or domestic partnerships are available. The decision brings thousands of LGBT couples closer to eventually receiving Social Security survivor benefits, VA spousal benefits and protections against impoverishment.
The American Society on Aging has recommended that aging LGBT couples begin applying for such benefits. While denial is likely in the short term, retroactive payments to those who are denied are a possibility once DOMA is repealed. http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2011/02/president-obama-instructs-justice-department-to-stop-defending-defense-of-marriage-act-calls-clinton/
The Genny Awards recognize those moments that move LGBT older people away from fear and towards respect and admiration.
*The Gennys are named in honor of the film, "Gen Silent": the documentary that sheds light on the epidemic of LGBT older people going back into the closet in order to survive insensitivity or discrimination in care. Gen Silent also profiles those people fighting to keep elders from being silenced. For more info: http://gensilent.com/
The Genny Awards
What a remarkable year 2011 was for LGBT aging!
The Gennys* honor those stories that impacted LGBT older people the most,
and the advocates and elders who made these breakthroughs possible.
Counting down to number one, the 2011 Gennys are awarded
to the following stories that advanced the cause of LGBT aging:
10. HUD holds LGBT elder Housing Summit
This year marked the first time that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) publically acknowledged the unique housing needs of LGBT elders though a gathering of developers, government agencies and advocates. http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=35184
9. National Resource Center on LGBT Aging receives nearly 100 requests for cultural competency training
The National Resource Center on LGBT Aging saw requests from organizations and agencies in 32 states around the country that wish to use its new curriculum to become more sensitive to the needs of LGBT older people. http://www.lgbtagingcenter.org/about/training.cfm
8. California becomes first state to require LGBT history in public schools
In July, California Governor Jerry Brown signed a law requiring that public schools include the historic contributions of LGBT individuals in social studies curriculum. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/14/california-gay-history-law-jerry-brown_n_898745.html
7. Aging professionals convene to address the needs of aging LGBT people of color
Leaders in the field came together in the nation's capital to begin building a network of professionals serving POC LGBT older people. The historic gathering was called a declaration to transform aging health care for people of color who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. http://griotcircle.wordpress.com/2011/10/13/national-poc-lgbt-convening-day-one/
6. Record dollars go to community LGBT health and aging Initiatives
The acknowledgement of LGBT elders by their own communities grew substantially in 2011 with the awards of local grants to create more services. These included an historic $248,000 grant to the Fenway Institute in Boston, MA. to create a National Training and Technical Assistance Center to help communities improve the health of LGBT populations, including elders.
5. First LGBT senior center in the United States is announced.
Opening of the first full-time center dedicated to serving LGBT older people is scheduled for January, 2012. It will be based in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood but offers a "comprehensive array of services and support" to LGBT elders throughout New York City. http://www.sageusa.org/about/news_item.cfm?news=302
4. First federally funded national study on the health of LGBT older people.
Working with agencies around the country, the University of Washington study revealed staggering rates of disability, depression and loneliness compared to heterosexuals of similar ages. The statistics have been a part of congressional testimony, and will likely be the supporting evidence for a wave of grant proposals to help LGBT elders. http://caringandaging.org/
3. Medicare begins enforcing visitation rights for same-sex couples.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has directed all hospitals that receive Medicare and Medicaid dollars to support a patient's right to choose his/her/zirs own visitors during a hospital stay. Hospitals must also recognize advance directives designating a same-sex partner as someone who can make emergency medical decisions. Hospitals that don't adequately address these rights risk losing all Medicare dollars. In a single policy change, hundreds of thousands of older Americans can now contemplate a hospital stay without fear of being separated from those they love.
http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2011pres/09/20110907a.html
2. HHS moves to protect same-sex couples from poverty and homelessness resulting from long-term care
In April, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that states can provide same-sex domestic partners of long-term care Medicaid beneficiaries the same protections as opposite-sex spouses. This includes not taking away the couples home if a survivor still lives there. The directive (if followed by states) provides America's LGBT older people with a safety net they never have had against homelessness and poverty that can result from caring for a loved one. http://www.nsclc.org/index.php/issue-brief-cms-issues-guidance-on-medicaid-rules-for-same-sex-partners/
1. Justice Department Declines to Defend
the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)
The Obama administration announced in February that the Justice Department would no longer defend DOMA in court. DOMA has blocked access to critically needed federal benefits for elderly same-sex couples, even in states where marriage and/or domestic partnerships are available. The decision brings thousands of LGBT couples closer to eventually receiving Social Security survivor benefits, VA spousal benefits and protections against impoverishment.
The American Society on Aging has recommended that aging LGBT couples begin applying for such benefits. While denial is likely in the short term, retroactive payments to those who are denied are a possibility once DOMA is repealed. http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2011/02/president-obama-instructs-justice-department-to-stop-defending-defense-of-marriage-act-calls-clinton/
The Genny Awards recognize those moments that move LGBT older people away from fear and towards respect and admiration.
*The Gennys are named in honor of the film, "Gen Silent": the documentary that sheds light on the epidemic of LGBT older people going back into the closet in order to survive insensitivity or discrimination in care. Gen Silent also profiles those people fighting to keep elders from being silenced. For more info: http://gensilent.com/
Counting down to number one, the 2011 Gennys are awarded
to the following stories that advanced the cause of LGBT aging:
10. HUD holds LGBT elder Housing Summit
This year marked the first time that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) publically acknowledged the unique housing needs of LGBT elders though a gathering of developers, government agencies and advocates. http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=35184
9. National Resource Center on LGBT Aging receives nearly 100 requests for cultural competency training
The National Resource Center on LGBT Aging saw requests from organizations and agencies in 32 states around the country that wish to use its new curriculum to become more sensitive to the needs of LGBT older people. http://www.lgbtagingcenter.org/about/training.cfm
8. California becomes first state to require LGBT history in public schools
In July, California Governor Jerry Brown signed a law requiring that public schools include the historic contributions of LGBT individuals in social studies curriculum. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/14/california-gay-history-law-jerry-brown_n_898745.html
7. Aging professionals convene to address the needs of aging LGBT people of color
Leaders in the field came together in the nation's capital to begin building a network of professionals serving POC LGBT older people. The historic gathering was called a declaration to transform aging health care for people of color who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. http://griotcircle.wordpress.com/2011/10/13/national-poc-lgbt-convening-day-one/
6. Record dollars go to community LGBT health and aging Initiatives
The acknowledgement of LGBT elders by their own communities grew substantially in 2011 with the awards of local grants to create more services. These included an historic $248,000 grant to the Fenway Institute in Boston, MA. to create a National Training and Technical Assistance Center to help communities improve the health of LGBT populations, including elders.
5. First LGBT senior center in the United States is announced.
Opening of the first full-time center dedicated to serving LGBT older people is scheduled for January, 2012. It will be based in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood but offers a "comprehensive array of services and support" to LGBT elders throughout New York City. http://www.sageusa.org/about/news_item.cfm?news=302
4. First federally funded national study on the health of LGBT older people.
Working with agencies around the country, the University of Washington study revealed staggering rates of disability, depression and loneliness compared to heterosexuals of similar ages. The statistics have been a part of congressional testimony, and will likely be the supporting evidence for a wave of grant proposals to help LGBT elders. http://caringandaging.org/
3. Medicare begins enforcing visitation rights for same-sex couples.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has directed all hospitals that receive Medicare and Medicaid dollars to support a patient's right to choose his/her/zirs own visitors during a hospital stay. Hospitals must also recognize advance directives designating a same-sex partner as someone who can make emergency medical decisions. Hospitals that don't adequately address these rights risk losing all Medicare dollars. In a single policy change, hundreds of thousands of older Americans can now contemplate a hospital stay without fear of being separated from those they love.
http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2011pres/09/20110907a.html
2. HHS moves to protect same-sex couples from poverty and homelessness resulting from long-term care
In April, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that states can provide same-sex domestic partners of long-term care Medicaid beneficiaries the same protections as opposite-sex spouses. This includes not taking away the couples home if a survivor still lives there. The directive (if followed by states) provides America's LGBT older people with a safety net they never have had against homelessness and poverty that can result from caring for a loved one. http://www.nsclc.org/index.php/issue-brief-cms-issues-guidance-on-medicaid-rules-for-same-sex-partners/
1. Justice Department Declines to Defend
the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)
The Obama administration announced in February that the Justice Department would no longer defend DOMA in court. DOMA has blocked access to critically needed federal benefits for elderly same-sex couples, even in states where marriage and/or domestic partnerships are available. The decision brings thousands of LGBT couples closer to eventually receiving Social Security survivor benefits, VA spousal benefits and protections against impoverishment.
The American Society on Aging has recommended that aging LGBT couples begin applying for such benefits. While denial is likely in the short term, retroactive payments to those who are denied are a possibility once DOMA is repealed. http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2011/02/president-obama-instructs-justice-department-to-stop-defending-defense-of-marriage-act-calls-clinton/
The Genny Awards recognize those moments that move LGBT older people away from fear and towards respect and admiration.
*The Gennys are named in honor of the film, "Gen Silent": the documentary that sheds light on the epidemic of LGBT older people going back into the closet in order to survive insensitivity or discrimination in care. Gen Silent also profiles those people fighting to keep elders from being silenced. For more info: http://gensilent.com/
Reposted at http://www.keystothecloset.blogspot.com
Friday, December 23, 2011
Facebook Provides First-of-Its-Kind Service to Help Prevent Suicides
In partnership with the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, Facebook has announced a new service attempting to prevent suicides across North America. The service enables Facebook users to report a suicidal comment posted by a friend using either the Report Suicidal Content link https://www.facebook.com/help/contact.php?show_form=suicidal_content or the links found throughout the site.
The poster of the comment will immediately receive an e-mail from Facebook encouraging them to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or to click on a link to begin a confidential chat with a crisis worker. The project is a collaboration among the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Facebook.
In another story, a new survey by University of Washington researchers has found that, while about one of nine youths attempt suicide by the time they graduate from high school, nearly 40 percent of those who said they had tried suicide reported their first attempt was before they entered high school. The study was published in the November issue of the Journal of Adolescent Health http://jahonline.org/article/S1054-139X(11)00127-3/abstract.
Sources: http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/1112125820.aspx
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_119226.html
Reposted at http://www.keystothecloset.com
The poster of the comment will immediately receive an e-mail from Facebook encouraging them to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or to click on a link to begin a confidential chat with a crisis worker. The project is a collaboration among the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Facebook.
In another story, a new survey by University of Washington researchers has found that, while about one of nine youths attempt suicide by the time they graduate from high school, nearly 40 percent of those who said they had tried suicide reported their first attempt was before they entered high school. The study was published in the November issue of the Journal of Adolescent Health http://jahonline.org/article/S1054-139X(11)00127-3/abstract.
Sources: http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/1112125820.aspx
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_119226.html
Reposted at http://www.keystothecloset.com
SAMHSA releases Working Definition of Recovery
The new working definition of Recovery From Mental Disorders and Substance Use Disorders is as follows:
A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.
Through the Recovery Support Strategic Initiative, SAMHSA also has delineated four major dimensions that support a life in recovery:
• Health: Overcoming or managing one's disease(s) as well as living in a physically and emotionally healthy way.
• Home: A stable and safe place to live.
• Purpose: Meaningful daily activities, such as a job, school, volunteerism, family caretaking, or creative endeavors, and the independence, income, and resources to participate in society.
• Community: Relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love, and hope.
Read the Full Press Release and Learn More About SAMHSA's Recovery Support Initiative at the SAMHSA webpage
reposted at http://www.keystothecloset.blogspot.com
A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.
Through the Recovery Support Strategic Initiative, SAMHSA also has delineated four major dimensions that support a life in recovery:
• Health: Overcoming or managing one's disease(s) as well as living in a physically and emotionally healthy way.
• Home: A stable and safe place to live.
• Purpose: Meaningful daily activities, such as a job, school, volunteerism, family caretaking, or creative endeavors, and the independence, income, and resources to participate in society.
• Community: Relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love, and hope.
Read the Full Press Release and Learn More About SAMHSA's Recovery Support Initiative at the SAMHSA webpage
reposted at http://www.keystothecloset.blogspot.com
Friday, December 2, 2011
Joint Commission Releases LGBT Field Guide
On Tuesday, November 8, the Joint Commission released the eagerly awaited Advancing Effective Communication, Cultural Competence and Patient- and Family-Centered Care for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Community: A Field Guide.
The field guide, available for free online, will serve as an essential resource for hospitals and healthcare organizations to create a more welcoming, safe and inclusive environment that contributes to improved healthcare quality for LGBT patients and their families. It offers strategies, practice examples, resources and testimonials designed to help improve communication and provide more patient-centered care to LGBT patients, through the implementation of the Joint Commission's new hospital visitation and non-discrimination standards (RI.01.01.01, EPs 28 and 29), which are inclusive of LGBT patients. The field guide also provides information to help hospitals as well as other healthcare settings identify gaps, safety risks and areas of improvement for patient-centered care to LGBT patients.
The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more than 19,000 hospitals, healthcare organizations and programs in the United States, and its standards and evaluation criteria serve an important role in ensuring safe and effect care for patients.
GLMA has worked with the Joint Commission over the past few years and is thrilled to see this very important resource now available. Along with other stakeholders, GLMA was involved in developing Advancing Effective Communication, Cultural Competence and Patient- and Family-Centered Care: A Roadmap for Hospitals, which included the hospital visitation and non-discrimination standards that went into effect this past July. GLMA also provided input on the Joint Commission's implementation of these new standards, including commenting on the newly released field guide.
GLMA applauds the Joint Commission for their efforts to ensure hospitals create more welcoming, safe and inclusive environments, which will contribute to improved healthcare quality for LGBT patients. GLMA looks forward to continuing to work with our partners and other stakeholders to utilize this resource in our educational and advocacy efforts.
Avaialble for free download at http://www.jointcommission.org/lgbt/
Reposted at http://keystothecloset.blogspot.com
The field guide, available for free online, will serve as an essential resource for hospitals and healthcare organizations to create a more welcoming, safe and inclusive environment that contributes to improved healthcare quality for LGBT patients and their families. It offers strategies, practice examples, resources and testimonials designed to help improve communication and provide more patient-centered care to LGBT patients, through the implementation of the Joint Commission's new hospital visitation and non-discrimination standards (RI.01.01.01, EPs 28 and 29), which are inclusive of LGBT patients. The field guide also provides information to help hospitals as well as other healthcare settings identify gaps, safety risks and areas of improvement for patient-centered care to LGBT patients.
The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more than 19,000 hospitals, healthcare organizations and programs in the United States, and its standards and evaluation criteria serve an important role in ensuring safe and effect care for patients.
GLMA has worked with the Joint Commission over the past few years and is thrilled to see this very important resource now available. Along with other stakeholders, GLMA was involved in developing Advancing Effective Communication, Cultural Competence and Patient- and Family-Centered Care: A Roadmap for Hospitals, which included the hospital visitation and non-discrimination standards that went into effect this past July. GLMA also provided input on the Joint Commission's implementation of these new standards, including commenting on the newly released field guide.
GLMA applauds the Joint Commission for their efforts to ensure hospitals create more welcoming, safe and inclusive environments, which will contribute to improved healthcare quality for LGBT patients. GLMA looks forward to continuing to work with our partners and other stakeholders to utilize this resource in our educational and advocacy efforts.
Avaialble for free download at http://www.jointcommission.org/lgbt/
Reposted at http://keystothecloset.blogspot.com
Senate Committee Fails to Include Bullying in Education Bill
As reported in Metro Weekly on October 20, 2011, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee failed to include two anti-bullying amendments in the Elementary and Secondary Education Reauthorization Act of 2011. The Safe Schools Improvement Act (SSIA), co-introduced by Senators Bob Casey Jr. (D-Pa.) and Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), would amend the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act to include programs for bullying- and harassment-prevention. The Student Non-Discrimination Act (SNDA), introduced by Senator Al Franken (D-Minn.), would add sexual orientation and gender identity to federal education nondiscrimination law.
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