Ithaca College

National LGBT Health Awareness Week is March 8-14; the theme of this year's observance is "Expect More." This is a call to the LGBT community to expect more from their health care providers, policy makers, their community, and themselves. We need to educate ourselves and the LGBT community about our unique health needs and what resources are available to meet those needs. With this knowledge and through advocating for improved health and healthcare, we can increase healthy living among LGBT people, because everyone deserves good health.

A project of the National Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health, the major objective of the awareness week is to encourage members of LGBT communities to be aware of their own health and take concrete steps -- such as getting regular physical exams -- to become and stay healthy.

The observance also seeks to raise public awareness of the unique health concerns, as well as the very real health disparities, among LGBT communities. It also serves to educate medical and health care professionals in the area of cultural competency with regard to LGBT health.

To learn more about National LGBT Health Awareness Week, visit its website:

Annual National LGBT Health Awareness Week

Included on the website are fact sheets on topics that all members of LGBT communities should consider discussing with their health care providers. Care about yourself by "owning" your health and getting checked out, and encourage your friends and loved ones to do the same.