Ithaca College

National LGBT Health Awareness Week is March 25-29; the theme of this year's observance is "Come Out for Health."

The 2013 campaign will advance four core LGBT health principles:

• Consumer Empowerment - by making resources available to the LGBT community on how to approach their health care providers about their sexual orientation and gender identity
• Culturally Competent Services – by directing health care providers to resources on how to become a culturally competent source of services for the LGBT community
• Engaged Communities – by providing outreach materials to a variety of organizations to encourage participation in LGBT Health Awareness Week
• Inclusive Policymaking – will be pursued through a congressional briefing scheduled during LGBT Health Awareness Week, and providing resources  to reach out to local and State officials related to LGBT 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 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.

In our local area, Out for Health is the premier source of information on the theme of LGBT people and health, and provides outreach, education and information to LGBT people, their health care providers and the community at large about the importance of inclusive, welcoming and respectful care for LGBT people.