2020 Health Needs Assessment

In a year where public health is at the forefront, LGBTQ Pennsylvanians deserve affordable, accessible and affirming healthcare options at every level. Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, administered the largest statewide assessment of LGBTQ health needs.

More than 6,500 LGBTQ Pennsylvanians from more than 900 zip codes across 64 counties, including Erie, answered questions about everything from mental and sexual health to flu shots and dental visits. The 2020 Pennsylvania LGBTQ Health Needs Assessment also includes the largest known sample of intersex health challenges to date.

Looking at the northwest PA data, 44 percent of respondents from Erie County said they've used tobacco products before, while 71 percent believe all bars should be smoke-free. Forty percent have never been tested for HIV, and less than three percent are currently taking PrEP.

In Erie County, the top five health priorities suggested by LGBTQ community members were depression, suicide, isolation, alcohol and other drug addiction, and bullying.

Statewide, more than one in three LGBTQ Pennsylvanians believe most of their healthcare providers don't have the medical expertise related to their health needs. Almost one in five say they rarely or never get the emotional support they need. Seven in ten LGBTQ Pennsylvanians have experienced a mental health challenge in the past year, but only four of those seven are receiving mental health counseling or treatment.

Almost four in ten LGBTQ Pennsylvanians have experienced violence from a family member, partner or spouse, and more than two out of ten have experienced violence based on their LGBTQ status. Specifically, LGBTQ Pennsylvanians of color, transgender, non-binary and genderqueer respondents are experiencing violence at even higher rates.

This new data reconfirms what many of us already know. Healthcare remains a critical issue for LGBTQ Pennsylvanians, especially in the midst of a pandemic. Concerns about mental health and violence are particularly alarming, as many people are isolated at home.

The report lists ten recommendations that include supporting connections to LGBTQ-competent providers, promoting tobacco cessation opportunities, and prioritizing the health needs of transgender, non-binary, genderqueer and intersex individuals. The full 71-page report is available at www.livehealthypa.com/lgbt.

Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center is proud to work with the Erie Gay News and Greater Erie Alliance for Equality and other stakeholders across PA to collect these data. The findings will guide healthcare providers, community groups and others in a more informed, more compassionate approach to care.

Videos

2020 Pennsylvania LGBTQ Health Needs Assessment - Posted Dec 21, 2020