The Buzz HEALTH
In Partnership with The Public’s Radio • ThePublicsRadio.org
Two community health organizations work to address gaps in care for LGBTQ+ community on Aquidneck Island Newport Mental Health and The Women’s Resource Center, Newport’s domestic violence prevention agency, have been certified as the first – and only – “LGBTQ safe zone” providers on Aquidneck Island. Advocates say it’s an important step to helping transgender and nonbinary people access quality care without having to travel elsewhere. By Antonia Ayres-Brown Rex LeBeau recently had a scary medical experience. They started to lose parts of their vision, and they didn’t know why. LeBeau is nonbinary, and their pronouns are they/them. They usually leave Aquidneck Island to receive medical care, but their primary care doctor told them to go straight to the emergency room. The doctors there figured out it was an ocular migraine, and the visit turned out okay. But what LeBeau still remembers is how they didn’t want to go to the emergency room because they feared how they might be treated. “Anyone could have a medical crisis, anywhere, anytime,” LeBeau said. “And if they have to think about where they’re going to go to get help, that often could delay getting care, or folks might not get care at all.” Both Newport Mental Health and the Women’s Resource Center are now accredited by Blue Cross & Blue Shield as “LGBTQ safe zones.” It’s a badge held by about 40 other providers across Rhode Island, and it’s meant to indicate that they’ve trained their staff and adjusted procedures to better serve LGBTQ+ clients. “Knowing that when you see the safe zone logo on the window, you don’t have to worry about whether you’ll receive culturally competent and affirming care – can make a world of difference for those seeking the care,” said Sarah Fleury, the director of behavioral health at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, which manages the safe zone program. Leaders at the recently accredited Newport organizations said they also took the “safe zone” title as a challenge
12
The Bay • December 2021
Rex LeBeau spoke at an event held October 28 marking the two Newport organizations becoming "LGBTQ safe zones."
Photo by Antonia Ayres-Brown
