A 2020 study by the American Heart Association discovered that more than 50% of LGBTQIA+ people experience some form of health care discrimination. Adding to this disparity, more than 25% of transgender people reported being denied care due to their transgender status. This discrimination can often lead to significant health consequences, such as avoiding health care altogether and developing increased risks of health problems.
With 1 in 3 adults in the United States at risk for kidney disease, early diagnosis and preventive care are essential to prevent progression to kidney failure. However, if more members of the LGBTQIA+ community are deterred from seeking health care, they miss out on testing for kidney disease and its risk factors, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Here’s a helpful resource from one of our partner organizations, National Kidney Foundation, on how nephrologists can provide LGBTQIA+ patients with affirming care.
Resources for LGBTQIA+ patients can save lives! Here are some you should know about:
By addressing healthcare disparities and ensuring access to affirming care, we can improve health outcomes and help prevent kidney disease for the LGBTQIA+ community.
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