Report from SAGE-RI

by Cathy Gorman, SAGE-RI Steering Committee

When April’s SAGE-RI’s report was published, it seemed possible normal programming might resume within a few months. Now, so many months later, reliable public health experts predict another six months of vigilance and restrictions. This is especially true for older adults and those with pre-existing conditions at higher risk of adverse outcomes from COVID-19. This spring SAGE-RI was in the process of rolling out a number of in-person events: statewide meetings, intergenerational activitieswith YPI, and an LGBT History walking tour in cooperation with the Providence Public Library. Instead the temporary halt led to the discontinuance of in-person programming for the remainder of this year, and a pivot to conference calls and virtual programming through Zoom.

The monthly LGBT Café now meets at noon every Thursday as the SAGE-RI Zoom Café and recently hosted the virtual “Lunch and Learn” series addressing key topics of concern to LGBT older adults. Also, focus groups supported by the Tufts Health Plan Foundation Momentum Fund were held by conference call. The themes identified by each group contributed to an understanding of major issues facing LGBT seniors, and recommendations for improving access to essential information and services. A final report will be available later this year. The next step is to consult with senior service providers to help them create more LGBT-welcoming settings, and to explore the possibility of LGBT-focused programming and services.

SAGE-RI’s “Promoting Quality of Care for LGBT Older Adults: Issues and Strategies” workshops are scheduled for Wednesday mornings, October 28 and November 4, 8:30-10:00am via Zoom. This two-part program will complete the series aimed at developing LGBTQ cultural competence among Rhode Island’s health care, social service, and senior service providers, and builds on recommendations from the National Resource Center on LGBT Aging. The focus of the October 28 workshop is on access to quality health care, as well as care planning issues, while the November 4 workshop will address minority stress and health care disparities, and resources for working with both transgender older adults and those living with HIV. Staff and providers involved with these issues, as well as interested community members, are invited to register at Eventbrite.com. (Search for: Promoting Quality of Care for LGBT Older Adults.) For more info or for group rates, email sageriinfo@ gmail.com.

SAGE-RI training initiatives have been made possible by the RI Foundation Equity Action Fund which provides support toward the development of curriculum, resource material, and training for long term care and assisted living facility staff. Improving the experience of LGBT older adults in need of health care and housing services is more critical now than ever, given our growing LGBT older population and the current COVID-19 crisis.

This momentum is promising, and we would love to engage more community members in this effort. In response, we are conducting a SAGE-RI Membership Drive this fall! We are asking for a show of support from our LGBT community. SAGE-RI has successfully raised its visibility within the LGBT communityand with key organizations and committees within the senior service network. SAGE-RI volunteers now represent older adult LGBT issues in many different settings. Dedicated SAGE-RI Steering Committee members have been engaged in an organizational assessment, reviewing policies and procedures, exploring mission and purpose, looking at ways to improve communication, and putting structures in place to ensure efficiency and accountability. We need to do a better job of engaging members and volunteers, to both help imagine the future, and to ensure our sustainability over time. You can help us achieve this by renewing membership or by becoming a new member at www.sageri.org or through the SAGE/Rhode Island Facebook page.

Reach us at sageriinfo@gmail.com, or leave a message at 406-1714. We welcome questions, feedback, and all contributions toward building a strong advocacy organization for LGBT seniors.