DETROIT (WXYZ) — Corktown Health Center was recently awarded a two-year grant to help with health needs of older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender adults in southeast Michigan.
The center will receive $500,000 over a two year period, $250,000 per year. Funding will support the nonprofit's Silver Rainbow Health Initiative, aimed at assisting older people within the LGBT community.
“LGBT persons over 55 years old are less likely than their non-LGBT peers to have a primary care medical home and are more likely to suffer chronic illness and depression,” said Medical Director Dr. LaTonya Riddle-Jones. “And since there is no formal effort to address health needs of LGBT older adults in southeast Michigan, we are thrilled to receive the financial support to launch our Silver Rainbow Health Initiative.”
Program initiatives include:
- Improving the health of LGBT older adults by providing integrated, community-based medical care and supportive services to LGBT persons over the age of 55;
- Increasing the capacity of clinical and nonclinical service providers to deliver culturally appropriate services to LGBT older adults through provider education, training and networking;
- And promoting the health and service needs of LGBT older persons through data sharing, dialogue and dissemination of best practices.
The Michigan Health Endowment Fund -- who awarded the funding -- works to improve the health and wellness of Michigan residents and reduce the cost of healthcare.
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