National LGBT Health Awareness Week set to begin March 13 (15398)

The third annual National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health Awareness Week is set for March 13-19, organizers say. "In all of the issues of LGBT health, we are truly excited about the possibilities and potential for raising the awareness in our communities and beyond," says Eugenia Handler, cochair of the executive committee of the National Coalition for LGBT Health, which is coordinating the weeklong awareness campaign. Organizers say LGBT health week has four primary goals: raising public awareness of the unique health concerns and health disparities affecting LGBT communities; educating LGBT health care providers about the health issues affecting their gay and lesbian patients; providing community health centers, local organizations, and community representatives with tools to bring the national awareness and educational campaigns to their areas; and educating all medical and health care professionals in the area of cultural competency with regard to LGBT health.

According to the coalition, more than 100 LGBT health events are happening across the country during the week, including a March 15 gathering in Washington, D.C., that will include strategy meetings, briefings, and lobbying with members of Congress and officials at the Department of Health and Human Services.

The National Coalition for LGBT Health has 13 downloadable informational fact sheets online that address pertinent LGBT health-related topics: aging, cancer, domestic violence, smoking, mental health, genital warts and human papillomavirus, nutrition and weight, sexual health, access to quality health care, hepatitis (A, B, and C), trans men's health, trans women's health, and youth. The fact sheets can be downloaded online at www.lgbthealth.net.

For more information about National LGBT Health Awareness Week or to download the go online to www.lgbthealth.net.