Poster 06 – Pride in Care Neighborhoods: Partnering for Affirming LGBTQ+ Care in Rural Idaho

Rural LGBTQ+ identifying individuals are at a high risk of disproportionate negative health outcomes and barriers to affirming and appropriate care. Given this risk, it is critical that rural primary care providers develop the competence and confidence to address the healthcare needs of LGBTQ+ patients and help lead the service community in implementing affirming and supportive practices. In January of 2020, a small Critical Access Hospital and linked Rural Health Center (Valor Health) decided to address this need by partnering with a regional family medicine residency program (Full Circle Health) to provide clinical consultation and support services. This care models allows patients to remain in the treatment of their primary care provider and reduce the burden of travel. The project team poster will highlight key elements of this partnership including coordination with behavioral health, multisite involvement, and the increase in access generated as a result of this model.