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Making healthcare in the CNMI more inclusive
T-Project, an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, recently met with the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. to discuss some of the barriers in accessing healthcare among transgender individuals in the CNMI.
According to a statement from Tyra Sablan, founder and president of T-Project, their discussions focused on standard of care in transgender health. That includes LGBTQ+ data collection during intake process and other opportunities; developing inclusive environment best practices that complements a patient centric experience; hormone replacement therapy for transgender individuals; and the need for a mental health provider in gender identity, sexual orientation, and other behaviors.
The CHCC Family Care Clinic has always accepted transgender individuals for care and CHCC said it will continue to enhance such services. As part of that growth, the FCC is accepting transgender individuals seeking to receive hormone replacement therapy. Individuals are urged to first contact T-Project to receive an informational packet on hormone replacement therapy to get a better understanding of the process, expectations, and possible risks prior to making an appointment.
Transgender persons suffer significant health disparities and may require medical intervention as part of their care. Current research emphasizes sexual minorities’ self-report of barriers, rather than using direct methods. The biggest barrier to health care reported by transgender individuals is lack of access due to lack of providers who are sufficiently knowledgeable on the topic. Other barriers include: financial barriers, discrimination, lack of cultural competence by providers, health systems barriers, and socioeconomic barriers.
In addition to the usual care, transgender patients often require medical interventions such as hormone therapy and/or surgery. The biggest barrier both to safe hormonal therapy and to appropriate general medical care for transgender patients is the lack of access to care.
For more information about T-Project, visit: https://t-projectcnmi.org.
To set an appointment at CHCC FCC, call (670)234-8951. (PR)
