Uplift Voices This National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week

LGBTQ Health Awareness Week in Orange County.

The 22nd National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week is scheduled for March 18–22, 2024. As Orange County’s best-known LGBTQ+ medical clinic, Radiant Health Centers is pleased to once again support this much-needed week of events. With increased focus on the various health challenges experienced by so many in the community, this occasion is an opportunity for meaningful discussion and change in LGBTQ+ health care.

What Is National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week?

National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week was created 22 years ago by The National Coalition for LGBTQ Health. Acknowledging a lack of attention concerning the issues affecting LGBTQ+ health care, the event aimed to raise awareness and action. Its purpose was for individuals and organizations to join together and learn about real-world problems and make lasting improvements.

Today, National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week follows the same ethos as it creates both in-person and online events. Topics and issues covered include barriers to reliable providers, problems with workplace healthcare, how to find an LGBTQ-friendly healthcare home and more.

Promoting Vital Vibrant Voices During National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week

Vital Vibrant Voices is the theme for this year’s National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week. Our theme highlights the need for diverse, vibrant voices to address LGBTQ+ healthcare challenges and advocate for change. During events and panels, medical professionals and LGBTQ+ community members will discuss their experiences and identify ways to make significant improvements to health services across the country.

From dealing with discrimination in some medical settings to facing higher rates of mental health issues, problems still exist. For instance, data published in the Journal of Adolescent Health indicates that in one year, 23% of gay, lesbian and bisexual students attempted suicide, compared with 5% of straight high school students. This issue and other health challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community will be addressed during the upcoming week’s events.

Improving Health Outcomes in Orange County

For many years, Radiant Health Centers has been listening to voices within the LGBTQ+ community, and responding with improvements in healthcare. We have made important changes like adding youth programs, making sure all staff members are culturally competent, implementing a telemedicine system and more.

Our primary medical care services include family planning, HIV and STD testing, LGBTQ+ affirming care and hormone replacement therapy. We hope you’ll join us during National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week as we raise awareness of healthcare disparities and work together to improve healthcare standards for our Orange County community.

Primary Medical Care and Counseling in Irvine

Radiant Health Centers is committed to delivering knowledgeable and compassionate health services to the Orange County community. We provide primary care, STD testing, HIV treatment, counseling and youth programs at our Irvine clinic. To reach us, call (949) 809-5700 or request an appointment today.

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How Hormone Replacement Therapy Is Impacting Trans Youth

Orange County hormone replacement therapy.

Last year was a difficult time for transgender health care, with many U.S. states placing restrictions on gender-affirming care. Treatments like hormone replacement therapy and puberty blockers faced bans or restrictions, limiting access for many transgender minors. But what does the evidence say about gender-affirming care, and what could the repercussions be for transgender individuals?

The Impact of Gender-Affirming Care for Mental Health

Gender-affirming care refers to medical, psychological and other health services that support and affirm an individual’s gender identity when it does not align with the gender they were assigned at birth. It’s common for transgender people to report feeling distress from gender dysphoria that can lead to depression and even suicide.

A study published by the American Economic Association assessed two groups of transgender youths and found similar patterns of suicide attempts in the years before hormone replacement therapy, or HRT. However, after starting HRT, the study concluded that initiating the treatment contributed to a 14.4% reduction in suicide attempts.

These findings correspond to studies into the impact of undergoing gender-affirming hormone therapy on mental health. Researchers found that transgender youth were more likely to report feeling positive emotions and a sense of life satisfaction after using HRT, with a resulting reduction in anxiety and depression.

Accessing Hormone Replacement Therapy From a Trusted Healthcare Provider

Whether for counseling, hormone replacement therapy, or to access youth programs, the ability to find an LGBTQ+-friendly healthcare home in Orange County is critical for the well-being of transgender people. Faced with healthcare disparities experienced by many transgender people, accessing treatment from knowledgeable medical providers has proven difficult for many patients.

However, with the steps that have been made towards obtaining FDA approval for HRT for gender-affirming care, a positive development may be on the horizon. While “off-label” HRT treatments are available, securing FDA approval could make it easier to get treatment in states with restrictions.

Why Accessing Hormone Replacement Therapy Matters for Transgender Youth

Restricting access to HRT and gender-affirming care could have severe consequences for those experiencing gender dysphoria, anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges. With hormone replacement therapy leading to positive mental health outcomes and a reduction in suicide attempts, reducing barriers to affirming healthcare is necessary to prevent disparities and ensure young people can get the quality services they need.

At Radiant Health Centers, our medical clinic provides services for the LGBTQ+ community in Orange County. We are committed to delivering the best quality healthcare, including the essential HRT treatments and counseling services that help patients align with their gender identity with confidence and support.

Hormone Replacement Therapy Services in Orange County

Radiant Health Centers provides hormone replacement therapy for patients in Orange County. If you’d like to discuss HRT, counseling and care programs, or any of our other services, contact our Irvine medical clinic today. Call (949) 809-5700 or request an appointment now.

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