Examining the underuse of healthcare by LGBTQ+ people in South Texas to help rectify healthcare system inequities

The Foundation's initiative, Responding to Healthcare Consumers' Greatest Needs, was designed to ensure that health care systems' policies and practices are responsive to the needs and social contexts of the consumers and communities they serve through: (1) policy-relevant research; (2) local, grassroots advocacy; and (3) lessons spread through partnerships and strategic communications.The goal of this study is to examine the circumstances which initiate healthcare disparities for the LGBTQ+ community and explore what options can mitigate consequences from care that is delayed or withheld entirely. The project will focus on the lack of inclusion, whether real or perceived, experienced by LGBTQ+ people regarding access to physical and mental healthcare. The project team will use a digital critical participatory action research methodology and collect quantitative and qualitative data through surveys interviews and focus groups. Deliverables will include a project work plan and annual and final narrative and financial reports. The project team will also produce a public-facing product of their choice to share new knowledge that can address local health care system inequities and/or make recommendations for action toward system improvements.