HB22-1267 creates a $1 million grant program to fund the development of culturally relevant training programs for healthcare providers. Training programs will focus on providing care to priority populations, including but not limited to LGBTQ individuals, people of color, older adults, and people with disabilities. According to Envision:You’s 2021 Colorado LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health State of the State Survey Report, 43% of respondents asked for help and did not receive it or did not ask for help when they needed it, and one of the top barriers to accessing care was a lack of LGBTQ+ friendly services/providers. One Colorado’s 2019 report Closing the Gap found that 73% of transgender respondents said that they didn’t know how to find a LGBTQ-competent provider in their area, and 64% stated that they needed to travel long distances to a LGBTQ-competent facility.
All Coloradans deserve safe, affirming, quality healthcare, and healthcare providers deserve support and resources to provide this care for their patients. Culturally relevant training for healthcare professionals improves providers’ ability to treat patients from diverse backgrounds. Increasing availability of and access to culturally relevant and affirming training opportunities for providers ensures that they have the resources they need to give patients the care they deserve. Tell your Colorado Senator to support the Culturally Relevant Healthcare Training Act! Thank you for using your voice to support health equity. |
