DMHAS Programs and Services for LGBTQIA+ Individuals with Mental Health and/or Substance Use Disorders

This website includes LGBTQIA+ Trainings for DMHAS staff and providers, as well as additional training opportunities. It also contains links about awareness and identity information, local and national healthcare resources, and local and national advocacy and support resources

National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center

This website contains: A Guide for Health Care Staff for “Providing Inclusive Services and Care for LGBT People” from the National LGBT Health Education Center (A Program of the Fenway Institute). This guide shares potential barriers to care and common health issues, practical strategies for health care staff, and other helpful resources. This website also contains free, high quality webinars for providers such as “Reproductive Care and Obstetrics for Transgender and Diverse People”, which provides CME credit. 

Human Rights Campaign Resources

This website shares the results of the Human Rights Campaign’s most recent Health Equity Index which focuses on “Promoting Equitable and Inclusive Care for LGBTQ+ Patients and Their Families”. The HRC website also contains a page with tools for equity and inclusion: https://www.hrc.org/resources

Center for Transgender Health

The Center of Excellence for Transgender Health “has a mission to advance health equity for trans and gender non-binary communities. It focuses on increasing access to comprehensive, effective, and affirming healthcare services for transgender communities”. This website has access to provider training/education and other resources. The link below connects to a free online module entitled “Acknowledging Gender and Sex: Supporting Health Care Providers in Serving Transgender Patients and Clients” which walks providers through detailed communication and environmental strategies that can be implemented in healthcare settings. Acknowledging Gender and Sex | Division of Prevention Science (ucsf.edu)

American Hospital Association Institute for Diversity and Health Inclusion

This website contains a Health Equity Transformation Assessment, from the American Hospital Association, as well as a Health Equity Action Library to assist facilities and staff in creating systemic changes. 

2021 Connecticut LGBTQ+ Needs Assessment

This needs assessment by the “LGBTQ+ Health and Human Services Network was created and [was] administered by the Legislature through the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity (CWCSEO) and consists of representatives from more than a dozen health and human service non-profit agencies as well as some State agencies; most representatives are also part of the LGBTQ+ community themselves. The purpose of the Network is to make recommendations to the State about how to work toward a safer, healthier, and more inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ community.”

Willow Wisdom

Willow Wisdom provides services that enhance the strengths, and capacities of LGBTQIA+ people while also working toward social change to advance LGBTQIA+ equity and justice. Services offered for professionals include consulting, training, research, and evaluation

Resources For Affirming and Inclusive Language 

NIH Webpage: “Language Showing Compassion and Care for Women, Infants, Families, and Communities Impacted by Substance Use Disorder”

“This resource offers background information and tips for providers on how to use person-first language and on which terms to avoid using to reduce stigma and negative bias when discussing addiction or substance use disorder with pregnant women and mothers.” 

Recovery-Oriented Practice Tools From the University of Minnesota’s Center for Practice Transformation

This website helps practitioners translate recovery-oriented concepts into practical tools that can by implemented in health care settings and has useful “Clinical Tips” and “Practice Briefs”.