GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Finding the right healthcare provider can be challenging for the LGBTQIA+ community, whether it's due to discrimination, harassment, or in some cases, refusal of treatment.
June is Pride Month and Corewell Health launched two ways to help members of the LGBTQIA+ community find the care they need.
Corewell's patient navigator is a live person that patients can contact who will help connect them with the providers or resources they're looking for, from a primary care doctor to a specialist to specific services or support.
Patient navigators are also involved in the community, having created relationships with support, social and advocacy groups to make sure they can help patients find the right fit for them.
Corewell said the providers that patients will be connected with are safe and affirming and have completed a training program developed by the National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center to fit their specific needs.
Corewell providers that have completed the training and practice safe, affirming, inclusive care for the LGBTQIA+ community will have "Safe Zone" rainbow badges in their offices.
You can contact a patient navigator by calling (833) 968-0263 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or you can complete an online form and a navigator will contact you.
Corewell also offers a Find a Doctor service to help LGBTQIA+ community members find a provider in their local area. Other services include counseling, mental health services and options for people looking to find gender-affirming treatment.
To use the program, visit this site and enter the keyword "LGBTQIA+" in the Find a Doctor search bar.
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