Area healthcare workers can explore care for aging LGBTQ populations with a workshop.
Health Education About LGBT Elders (HEALE) workshop will be from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. January 28. The workshop is designed for anyone who wants to learn more about the healthcare for lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender elders. Access the event.
“LGBTQ+ seniors face fear of discrimination, especially daunting when faced with end-of-life care or residential placement,” said Associate Professor of Nursing O. Erin Reitz of the Mennonite College of Nursing (MCN) at Illinois State University. “To make matters worse many LGBTQ+ seniors do not have children who serve as an extended support system making the disparities they face even more daunting.”
The day will feature speakers from Howard Brown Association, a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer organization based in Chicago. The workshop is sponsored by Prairie Pride Coalition, Heartland Community College, and the Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University.
Throughout the day, participants will learn of multidisciplinary support through education and best practices. Modules will include barriers to care—including legal and financial challenges—sex and sexuality in older LGBTQ adults, care for aging trans-identified individuals, HIV, and aging.
The workshop can be counted for six continuing education credits, designated through Rush University Medical Center, which is accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). Those with questions can contact Reitz at OErinRN@gmail.com.
