Governor Sisolak proclaims March 21-25 as National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week
Carson City — March 21, 2022
The Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is proud to recognize LGBTQ Health Awareness Week, March 21-25, 2022, as proclaimed by Governor Steve Sisolak.
This year marks the 20th Annual LGBTQ Health Awareness Week, organized by the National Coalition of LGBTQ Health. This week is dedicated to raising awareness and highlighting the unique and essential health needs and the continuous engagement with the LGBTQ community about health care issues.
Health disparities continue to plague the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning or Queer, Intersexual and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) communities and the fear of discrimination causes many to avoid seeking care. Studies have shown that LGBTQIA+ people are often not treated with the respect that all patients deserve, which reinforces some societal stressors and stigmas even within the health care system in Nevada.
DHHS and the State of Nevada are committed to equity in health care for all Nevadans. In 2019 Governor Sisolak signed Senate Bill 364 into law, and this legislation supports the protection of vulnerable persons, prohibits medical facilities from engaging in discriminatory actions, requires facilities to take action to protect the privacy of those receiving care, and requires training for administrators and employees.
“The Division of Public and Behavioral Health is dedicated to fighting the disparities and stigma against people who identify as LGBTQ,” said Lisa Sherych, DPBH Administrator. “Having the ability to work closely with our health care providers and partners to improve the delivery of socially and culturally appropriate services that meet the needs of all clients is a top priority in us promoting healthy living with equal medical care for all Nevadans.”
While LGBTQ Health Awareness Week is an opportunity to highlight and promote LGBTQIA+ health, DHHS continues to support the LGBTQIA+ communities’ health care initiatives year-round by working with health care facilities across the state to align the standards of care for LGBTQIA+ patients.
To support and learn more about LGBTQ Health Awareness Week, visit www.healthlgbt.org.
