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Do you need health care but are concerned about who you can trust? Look into “Pathway to Better Health” located in Lowell.
Pathway to Better Health! Pathway to Better Health, located in Lowell Mass has a mission to inspire and empower patients to achieve optimal health and wellness through health promotion and shared decision making. The founder, Jessica Wisocky, APRN has been caring for the LGBTQAI+ community for more than a decade. Their team of experienced health care professionals is here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re looking for gender-affirming hormone therapy, medication assisted therapy for substance use disorder, Hep C treatment, HIV treatment, STI screening or PrEP, we have the expertise and resources you need to achieve your healthcare goals. Contact: Phone at 978-487-6783 : www.apathwaytobetterhealth.com 97 Central Street Suite 303 Lowell, MA 01852
Aging While LGBTQAI+
By 2030, nearly 7 million people in the U.S. aged 50+ will identify as LGBTQ+ – and that number is rising as more people live openly and age into this group. LGBTQ+ elders often face higher rates of social isolation, discrimination, and economic insecurity – but they also embody resilience and strength.
SAGE has proudly served the pioneer population, elders of the community. SAGE are a group of pioneers providing advocacy and services for LGBTQA+ elder. Take a moment and find out who they are
They have created resources that reflect this reality, offering support on housing, caregiving, HIV, health care, legal protections, financial planning, and more. No matter what aging looks like for you, we’re here with tools to help.
The More you Know!
The LGBTQIA+ population continues to face discrimination, hate crimes, rejection, and other homophobic behavior to this day. Although this population, along with their allies, have paved the way closer to acceptance, there is still a large lack of support for this group. The lack of support can cause loneliness, anxiety, depression, and isolation in hopes to avoid further discrimination.
Research shows that LGBTQIA+ individuals experience significantly higher rates of opioid use, depression, and suicide compared to the general population. In 2023 SAMSHA broke out the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data into the “Behavioral Health of Adolescents across Sexual Identities” report. Results reported the following disparities in LGBTQAI+ youth.
- 49.1% of female LGB+ (as stated in report) and 29.3% of males had a least one Major Depressive Episode (MDE).
- 35.6% of female and 31.9% of male LGB+ had serious thoughts of suicide
- LGB+ youths were about twice as likely as straight youths to have had a substance use disorder.
- 26.5% of LGB+ female youth used any illicit drugs compared to their straight peers at 12.5% while 24.7% of male LGB+ youth used any illicit drugs compared to their straight peers at 12.4%
Visit the Behavioral Health of Adolescents across Sexual Identities: Results from the 2023 National Survey on Drug use and Health full report here.
The Trevor Project’s 2023 National Survey on Mental Health of LGBTQ young people amplifies the experiences of more than 28.000 LGBTQ young people ages 13 to 24 across the United States. This survey gives a voice to LGBTQ young people-at a time when their existence is unfa9irly at the center of national political debates and state legislatures have introduce and implemented a record number of anti-LGBTQ policies. Explore the survey here!
Protective factors can make a powerful difference in the lives of LGBTQIA+ youth. Those who feel supported by their families less likely to attempt suicide, and have a substance use disorders. Affirming school or community environments are linked to lower rates of substance use and depression. Increasing acceptance, building supportive networks, and ensuring access to affirming care are essential steps toward reducing these risks and promoting resilience in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Most alarming is access to care for this population. “Despite the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and suicide risk among LGBTQ young people, a majority could not access the mental health care they desired”
What can we do as Allies?
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Listen and affirm – Respect their identity, pronouns, and lived experiences without judgment. Simply apologize if you do misgender someone and carry on the conversation.
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Create safe spaces – Whether at home, school, or within the community, foster environments where LGBTQIA+ youth feel accepted and valued. For business owners, posting signs or pride stickers on your business’s door and providing gender neutral bathrooms are two ways to make youth feel more welcome.
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Challenge stigma – Speak up against bullying, discrimination, or derogatory language. As an ally, we have a responsibility to support this community by modeling inclusive behavior to all.
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Educate yourself – Learn about LGBTQIA+ issues, terminology, and challenges so youth don’t feel responsible for teaching you.
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Promote mental health resources – Share information about affirming counselors, crisis lines, and support groups (see below for resources).
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Support family acceptance – Encourage families to express love, support, and acceptance, which can significantly reduce risks of depression and suicide.
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Celebrate their strengths – Highlight achievements and talents beyond their identity, reinforcing that they are valued for who they are.
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Show up – Attend LGBTQIA+ events, pride celebrations, or school initiatives to demonstrate visible support.
More Resources:
Building Inclusive Communities Together, Pronouns 101
Pronouns Education Video – Google Drive
This Video is sponsored by Winchester Hospital in collaboration with Prevention Partners of Northern Middlesex