GEAE needs assessment survey

from Greater Erie Alliance for Equality

In 2015, Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE) developed a needs assessment survey for the LGBT community to determine what perceptions were regarding services available in the Erie area. 184 people participated in this survey.

Health services, including HIV testing/prevention and mental health services including drug and alcohol counseling are improving, it is still the experience that more work in these areas need to be done, particularly with people who are transgender.

While much of this information is not new, some startling statistics were revealed. Of all the 184 participants, only three were people of color participated and the median age was 42. Gender identification was mostly split between males and females, with a small sampling of participants who identified as transgender or genderqueer.

What makes the results startling is that many people checked the Unsure or Unknown box, demonstrating that we don't necessarily know what needs are being met for people outside of our immediate scope. Perhaps gaining a better understanding of our entire community, their needs and their service providers, will help all of us to advocate for each person who is in need. We are hoping that continuing education, advocacy, and outreach will help fill in these gaps. Later this month, an LGBT roundtable will meet to further discuss how to move forward.

You can read the survey our website at http://greatereriealliance.com/project/lgbt-needs-for-erie-pa/.

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