Организация Niagara Pride запускает пилотную программу для улучшения доступа ЛГБТК+ пожилых людей к медицинским услугам

Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories Niagara Pride press release Niagara Pride Inc. is launching a new pilot program aimed at addressing the unique challenges and concerns faced by LGBTQ+ elders when accessing health care, rehabilitation, home health care, and long-term residential options in Niagara County and across Western New York. Too often, LGBTQ+ seniors express significant barriers to receiving respectful, safe and affirming care. Common concerns shared by local elders with Niagara Pride include: •Feeling forced to return to the closet in healthcare or residential settings to avoid discrimination or bullying. •A lack of provider understanding regarding their specific needs. •Feeling unwelcomed, unwanted, or fearing a lower standard of care if their LGBTQ+ identity is known. To proactively tackle these issues, Niagara Pride is initiating a four-part monthly meeting series designed to foster direct dialogue between LGBTQ+ seniors and area service providers, evaluate current care practices, and build actionable solutions for long-term improvement. "Our goal is to ensure that every LGBTQ+ senior in our region receives the dignified, safe and affirming care they deserve," said Dr. Ronald Piaseczny, LMHC-D, president of Niagara Pride. "By bringing local agencies and elders together, we can identify gaps in care, share best practices, and establish a reliable referral network so elders know where to find welcoming services." The four-part series will run monthly from 2-4 p.m. Fridays at the Niagara Pride offices, 1522 Main St. •Session 1: listening & learning (Sept. 4) – LGBTQ+ elders are invited to speak directly with service provider agencies about their concerns and experiences accessing healthcare and residential services. Niagara Pride will also deliver a brief presentation on critical issues impacting LGBTQ+ seniors. A free meal will be provided for attendees. •Session 2: Provider Self-Assessment & Best Practices (Oct. 2) – Attending agencies will share information about their existing programs, highlight established LGBTQ+-affirming best practices, and work collaboratively to identify key areas needing improvement. •Session 3: referral network & cross-collaboration (Nov. 13) – Providers and Niagara Pride will join forces to map out a trustworthy referral system, ensuring direct points of contact and stronger cross-organizational collaboration across WNY. •Session 4: sustainability, training & outreach (Dec. 4) – The final session will focus on exploring necessary staff training options, ensuring long-term sustainability for affirming practices, and planning community outreach to inform local LGBTQ+ elders of available resources. LGBTQ+ seniors, healthcare professionals, senior living representatives, home care agencies, and community service providers throughout Niagara County and WNY are encouraged to attend and join this vital initiative. Attendance is free, but space is limited. Interested community members and provider agencies can learn more and RSVP online by visiting www.niagarapride.org or emailing [email protected]. More about Niagara Pride: Niagara Pride Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offering educational materials, community programs, and assistance to LGBTQ+ individuals and families in Niagara County and WNY. Through advocacy, partnership and community engagement, Niagara Pride strives to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.